A blockbuster quarterback trade involving the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers would completely shake up the NFL, and former quarterback Boomer Esiason believes one such deal could make sense.
Boomer Esiason says on the Kickoff with Boomer and Valenti, that a Justin Herbert for Dak Prescott trade would be good for the NFL, but doubts Jerry Jones would pull the trigger on it https://t.co/Lm55WpqWod
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 25, 2026
With both teams struggling to meet expectations, the idea raises a bigger question: Would changing quarterbacks actually solve the problems in Dallas and Los Angeles, or would it simply create a different set of issues?
MORE: Aaron Rodgers moves past Peyton Manning with historic NFL moment in Paris
A quarterback swap would completely change both franchises
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The proposed trade would be one of the most stunning quarterback swaps in recent NFL history. Prescott would head to Los Angeles, while Herbert would become the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense.
There is at least some logic behind the concept. Dallas entered the season with legitimate expectations but has struggled to turn its talent into consistent results. Jerry Jones has already indicated that the Cowboys are willing to explore trades before the Nov. 10 deadline, although he previously suggested that defensive additions would be the more likely target.
Los Angeles has an even bigger problem. The Chargers entered Week 7 at 0-6, making the Herbert era look increasingly difficult despite the quarterback’s talent.
That makes the idea of a dramatic reset at least worth discussing.
Herbert remains one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, while Prescott has established himself as a proven veteran capable of producing at a high level when surrounded by the right supporting cast. A change of scenery could theoretically benefit both players.
Would changing quarterbacks actually fix the problems?
Oct 11, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The biggest issue with the hypothetical trade is that neither team necessarily has a quarterback problem.
Herbert’s talent has never really been in question. In fact, he was viewed as one of the quarterbacks with significant fantasy upside entering the season, while Prescott was similarly projected to produce major numbers for Dallas.
The Chargers’ 0-6 record and the Cowboys’ struggles could be symptoms of much larger roster and coaching problems. Replacing Herbert with Prescott would not automatically fix Los Angeles’ deficiencies, just as bringing Herbert to Dallas would not instantly solve everything that has gone wrong for the Cowboys.
Still, Esiason’s idea is fascinating because both franchises could desperately use a major shakeup. The Cowboys have a chance to remain competitive in a wide-open NFC East, while the Chargers are searching for answers after a disastrous start.
For Dallas, the likelihood of Jones actually trading Prescott for Herbert seems extremely remote. But the fact that the possibility is being discussed shows just how dramatically expectations have changed for both franchises.
A Prescott-for-Herbert blockbuster would dominate the NFL news cycle for weeks. Whether it would actually make either team better, however, is a much harder question to answer.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —