Trading out of the No. 3 spot in the 2024 NFL draft may not preclude the New England Patriots from making an aggressive play for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Monday the Patriots "have been fielding calls from teams" but that a "big offer" would be required for them to budge.

In the event New England did move back, Schefter added the team could replicate the approach of the Arizona Cardinals last year. Arizona went from No. 3 to No. 12 following a trade with the Houston Texans and then dealt its way into the top 10 again in order to get offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.

Schefter cited the Minnesota Vikings as a prospective trade partner for the Pats, with Minnesota setting its sights on North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

Moving out of the top five and still landing the QB it likes would obviously be a win-win for New England. You acquire the player you like in addition to a little more draft capital.

Attempting that strategy might be unnecessarily risky given the stakes, though.

There are a few critical differences between the Cardinals last year and the Patriots now, differences that complicate repeating Arizona's draft-day gambit.

For one, the run on quarterbacks had already happened once the Cardinals were on the clock with the sixth pick. There presumably wasn't a bidding war among teams desperate to select Johnson.

That's exactly what could happen if the Patriots are angling to get Maye or McCarthy and everyone knows it.

The opportunity cost was simply much lower for the Cardinals as well. They could trade back knowing full well they'd have solid alternatives if Plan A didn't work out.

For the Patriots, missing out on Maye and McCarthy would be a disaster because of how badly they need a quarterback and the extent to which the depth at the position begins to fall off. McCarthy is 33rd overall on Bleacher Report's 2024 big board and you have to wait until Bo Nix at No. 62 before you hit the next signal-caller.

When it comes to New England, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Sunday the "most likely scenario" is the six-time Super Bowl champion standing pat and taking Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels.

The Patriots have a straightforward path to addressing the biggest void on their roster and they would be wise to take it.