The Philadelphia Eagles landed what was considered the biggest prize in this year’s NFL free-agent sweepstakes.

The New York Jets traded an unhappy defensive player to New Orleans and traded for one from Carolina.

Those were the big moves as the NFL’s free-agent period began Friday, a day marked by trades that were more interesting than free-agent signings.

The Eagles made the biggest splash by signing Asante Samuel, the former Patriots cornerback who tied for the league lead in interceptions with 10 last season. Philadelphia had only had 11 interceptions all year.

The Jets, meanwhile, traded for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins from Carolina and dealt linebacker Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 defensive rookie of the year to New Orleans.

In another major trade, Detroit sent inconsistent defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to Cincinnati. The Lions got third- and fifth-round picks in return.

Meanwhile, two quarterbacks stayed put: Derek Anderson in Cleveland and Todd Collins in Washington.

Also, Isaac Bruce agreed to a two-year deal with San Francisco, one day after St. Louis released one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history.

The Browns acquired defensive tackle Corey Williams from Green Bay for a second-round draft pick.

In other deals Friday:

¢ Linebacker Kawika Mitchell signed with Buffalo after having a career season in his only year with the Giants.

¢ Denver released discontented wide receiver Javon Walker and linebacker Ian Gold.

¢ San Diego re-signed backup QB Billy Volek.

¢ Oakland signed safety Gibril Wilson to a $39 million, six-year deal.

¢ Minnesota signed safety Madieu Williams and fullback Thomas Tapeh.

¢ Jacksonville formally completed a trade with Minnesota for former first-round draft pick Troy Williamson and signed another wide receiver, former Raider Jerry Porter. They also signed former Dolphin QB Cleo Lemon.

¢ Kick returner Allen Rossum signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

¢ Miami signed former Jacksonville wide receiver Ernest Wilford and defensive end Sean Ryan from the Jets and traded for nose tackle Jason Ferguson from Dallas. It also added journeyman QB Josh McCown to compete for the quarterback job.

¢ Atlanta re-signed quarterback Chris Redman.

¢ Houston re-signed receiver and return man Andre’ Davis.

¢ St. Louis kicker Jeff Wilkins announced his retirement.