I think people need to realize that there's now a very high chance McCarthy is taken in the Top-10 in the Draft, and probably even somewhere in the 4-6 range now. And also, a guy like Nix and/or Penix could be taken in the Top-20 as well, or possibly even higher if a QB-needy team trades up to get them like say, the Broncos, Raiders, Vikings or Saints?
Why do I bring that up? Because for the people saying "hey lets just trade back with a team like the Vikings for #11, #23 and 1-2 future picks and we'll take a QB in the late 1st/early 2nd", there's a pretty high chance even by pick #11 that you're gonna only be left with 1 or 2 of Nix/Penix. Or dare I say, none of them even. I guess you can then just use the pick(s) to beef up WR and OT, then take someone like Rattler in the 3rd or 4th round.
So are people fine with the 2024 season having a QB room of Brissett, Rattler and probably Zappe? Because that could realistically be the case IF they trade down that far and miss out on Penix. I personally am not high at all on Bo Nix either. But regardless, you could be picking the 6th QB in the 2024 Draft, so how high are the chances of a "hit" there?
I know the Pats have a ton of needs but I agree with @Neurotic Guy, you need the QB and also, sometimes having an excellent QB can mask the weaknesses in other areas. I think the play is to simply stay at #3 and take Daniels or Maye. But if you really aren't sold on either, I think you need to explore trade downs that stay in the 5-8 range, because if you go down to #11 you might not even get McCarthy and 1 of Penix/Nix since one of those guys could also rise and be taken before you. If you are at #11, a few teams behind you can decide to jump you as well.