FOXBORO — Randy Moss is a New England Patriot.

When you say those words, which Randy Moss comes to mind? The electrifying superstar who can fly downfield, leap over defensive backs and pull in highlight-reel worthy touchdown catches? Or the temperamental receiver who mock-moons opposing fans, squirts water at on-field officials and admits to taking plays off?

Whichever side of Moss you think of, the man is now a member of the Patriots, as New England made the biggest news of NFL Draft weekend by acquiring the possible future Hall of Fame wideout from the Oakland Raiders yesterday in exchange for a fourth-round pick (110th overall) — the same pick received in a deal with San Francisco on Saturday. Though rumors of a Moss-to-New England deal began months ago, only to die to and reemerge Saturday before the draft got under way, coach Bill Belichick said last night that things really intensified early yesterday morning.

“Over 90 percent of it got done between midnight and the time the draft started today,” he said.

Several things happened during that time: New England agreed to give Oakland the fourth-round slot. Initially, the Patriots offered a sixth-round pick, which Raiders’ owner Al Davis refused. Belichick then spoke one-on-one with Moss for the first time, and Moss flew from his home in West Virginia to Boston and underwent a physical, which sealed the deal. During the course of the day yesterday, Moss met with Patriot assistant coaches and spoke more with Belichick.

Moss also had a conference call with the media, and before taking a question thanked reporters for waiting for the chance to talk with him.

“I don’t think you all understand how excited I am to really be a part of this organization,” Moss said. “I think [the Patriots’] record and what they’re about speaks volumes and I’m just very happy to find some happiness and get back to what I love to do, which is play football and go out there and compete.”

Moss said during the course of the conversation that he was “overwhelmed” and “in shock” at becoming a member of the Patriots. He confirmed that he had agreed to restructure his contract to come to New England, saying that money wasn’t a big factor for him and that he had made enough of it during his career. That certainly seems to be the case, as several reports last night said that Moss has agreed to a one-year deal that will pay him $3.5 million in base salary with another $1.5 million in incentives. The last two years of the deal he was playing under in Oakland were slated to earn him $21 million, with $9.75 due for the 2007 season.

The 30-year-old also mentioned being a big fan of Tom Brady, whom he also spoke to yesterday, and has no problem with being treated like everyone else or being part of an offense in which the best receiver is the open receiver. And he was deferential to fellow Marshall product Troy Brown, saying that he considers himself to be the second-best wideout from the school behind Brown.

He did get testy when asked about being in the NFL’s drug program and his past admission that he smokes marijuana, saying he didn’t want to get into the past and that some things are meant to be confidential between a player, his organization and the league. He would not confirm or deny whether he is currently in the program. Moss was also testy when questioned on his reputation of having a less-than-stellar work ethic, saying that anyone who questions his work ethic should “line up against me and see what happens.”

Belichick said he began following Moss years ago and has spoken to numerous teammates and coaches about the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder, including Doug Gabriel. Gabriel, who the Pats got in a trade with Oakland on the eve of the regular season last year but was suddenly cut after Week 13, said Moss was “like a brother.” Belichick said he learned more from Gabriel about Moss than anyone else, meaning Gabriel’s brief stay here was not without merit.

The addition of Moss adds yet another big name to an offseason full of big moves for the Patriots. There are now 10 wideouts in New England’s employ: Moss, Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington, Wes Welker, Chad Jackson, Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, Bam Childress, Kelvin Kight and Jonathan Smith. That list of potential receivers should certainly make Brady happy.

smanza@projo.com