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FOXBORO - Some free-agency goals are easier to fulfill than others.

For instance, the Patriots found it much easier on the first day of free agency to come to terms with fan-favorite, linebacker Tedy Bruschi, and their long-time long-snapper than it was to get their best wide receiver under contract.

Lonie Paxton, who is more famous for the snow angels he created on the Foxboro Stadium turf after the "Snow Bowl" victory in 2001 than for anything he has done on the field, has agreed to a one-year contract to take him out of the unrestricted free agent rolls.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

According to published reports, Paxton drew some interest from at least two other NFL teams. But his agent, Paul Sheehy, said the eight-year veteran from Sacramento State has a goal of being able complete his career with the team that originally signed him. "He is so emotionally entrenched in the Boston community and the Patriots organization that it would have taken a contract of epic proportions from a team that has a chance to compete in the postseason every year for Lonie leave at this time," Sheehy told the Boston Globe. "Ultimately, Lonie is exactly where he wanted to be when this process started."

As of midday Friday, there had been no indications that the Patriots and Randy Moss are prepared to announce an agreement despite widespread rumors that the record-setting wide receiver was virtually assured of returning to the team.

Cornerback Asante Samuel wasted no time in finding a new home, agreeing to a six-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, reportedly worth up to $57 million.

Other moves have yet to be announced by the team, but are reportedly finished.

Bruschi has accepted what's been termed a "multi-year" pact that will ensure that the 35-year-old veteran will have played for only the Patriots in his career. Bruschi started all 16 regular-season games and all three playoff contests last year, and led the Patriots in total tackles (99) and solo hits (69) in the regular season (99).

There has been no further word on his fellow inside linebacker, Junior Seau, who told the Associated Press earlier in the week that he underwent shoulder surgery a few days after Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants.

The Patriots have also reportedly reached an agreement with wide receiver Kelley Washington to return for a lower salary than he made with the team last year. Terms of that agreement have not been announced. Washington did not catch a pass last year after having been signed as a free agent following four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he became a special-teams standout.

With the decision to let Donté Stallworth depart, and other possible moves among the receiving corps, Washington could receive more of a chance to prove himself in the passing game next year.

The Patriots are allowing backup defensive tackle Rashad Moore, a restricted free agent, to depart without offering him a tender. They also gave veteran safety Eugene Wilson their blessings to depart, while apparently retaining the services of linebacker and special-teams captain Larry Izzo.

The team also released tight end Kyle Brady. Brady, a 13-year veteran, caught nine passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns last season after being signed last March. There has been no reported movement in the cases of unrestricted free agent receivers Troy Brown and Jabar Gaffney, safety Mel Mitchell and cornerback Chad Scott. Cornerback Randall Gay has a visit scheduled for the weekend with New Orleans.

The Patriots also reportedly tendered contracts to four exclusive-rights free agents, linebackers Eric Alexander and Pierre Woods, offensive tackle Wesley Britt and safety Ray Ventrone, assuring their return for the 2008 season.