The Patriots designated Samuel as their franchise player before the ’07 season, which guaranteed him one year at $7.79 million. Before Samuel agreed to come back to the team - he missed about 30 days of training camp and the preseason - he asked for, and surprisingly received, conditions that, if met, would mean the team couldn’t franchise him again.
If New England won 12 games or if Samuel played in 60 percent of the defensive snaps, he’d get his freedom and hit free agency. The Patriots won 16 games that season, Samuel started every game and had six interceptions, and was named to his first Pro Bowl.
On the eve of free agency, Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers, said his client was open to going to any team, including a return to New England. But the Patriots weren’t going to pay top dollar; hours after free agency opened, the Eagles inked Samuel for six years, $57 million that included $20 million guaranteed.
And since he left, the Patriots have been trying - mostly in vain - to replace him.
Today, for the first time, Samuel will face his former team in the regular season. He’s had his share of problems with the Philadelphia front office, saying last month they were playing “fantasy football’’ amid rumors he might be traded, but his on-field production has remained strong.
In three-plus seasons with the Eagles, Samuel has 22 picks, though he’s only pulled in two this season.
“He makes a lot of plays and he always has made a lot of plays,’’ Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said. “He’s a great player and I loved playing against him because I thought he really brought the best out in our receivers and our passing game. He’s always a threat to intercept the ball. You’re always paying attention to those guys. He does it as well as anybody that I’ve ever played against.’’
Bill Belichick echoed Brady’s thoughts. “I think we know you have to be careful throwing around him because he’s very instinctive, he’s got good ball skills, he’s got good quickness,” Belichick said. “You just have to be careful. Tom has thrown against him hundreds of times. I think he has a good feel for what it’s like to play against him.’’
