FOXBOROUGH — Each year the Patriots, like every NFL team, bring in a handful of free agents.
Some come from successful organizations; Terrance Knighton, for one, had a major hand in the Broncos' 2013 AFC championship game victory over the Patriots. Others, like Chris Hogan, the ex-Bills receiver, arrive in Foxborough having never sniffed the playoffs.
Regardless of a player's background, the expectations in New England are understood. Nobody needs them spelled out.
"I think guys know from the first day — I think it's known through the NFL that this place is a little different," Patriots safety Devin McCourty said Thursday.