Dak Prescott for Justin Herbert? Former NFL MVP floats a blockbuster Cowboys-Chargers quarterback swap

Former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason has floated an unlikely quarterback swap that would send Justin Herbert to the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott to the Los Angeles Chargers. The proposal comes as both teams struggle through a disappointing 2026 season, with the Chargers winless at 0-6 and Dallas sitting at 2-4 heading into Week 7. Esiason acknowledged that the deal is unlikely, but his suggestion has raised a bigger question: would changing quarterbacks solve either team's problems, or would it simply shift the pressure to a new player?Boomer Esiason pitches a Prescott-Herbert swapEsiason shared the idea on *Kickoff with Boomer and Valenti* after a discussion about whether the Cowboys should consider moving on from Prescott. Rather than simply suggest a new direction for Dallas, the former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback proposed an exchange that would send both established starters to the other franchise."Did you see Justin Herbert wearing a Dallas Cowboys uniform? Let's just fantasize about that for a second. I can see it. I mean, Justin Herbert goes to the Cowboys and Dak Prescott goes to the Chargers. That would be amazing. That would be great for NFL. That would be great for football," Esiason said.He also recognised the practical barriers. Both quarterbacks may have no-trade clauses in their contracts, and any deal would require the teams and players to agree. Esiason suggested that frustration with their current situations could make the idea more appealing by the end of the season, but he stopped short of predicting a move."So I think that would be a dream scenario for all of us who cover the NFL. I don't know that would help. And I don't think Dak is going anywhere."That final point undercuts the blockbuster appeal. Prescott remains an established figure in Dallas, and a rough stretch does not automatically mean the Cowboys are ready to give up on him. The proposal is an intriguing talking point, not evidence of active trade discussions.Why the trade would not fix everythingHerbert's age is one of the clearest differences between the two quarterbacks. At 28, he is five years younger than the 33-year-old Prescott. That could make Herbert more attractive to a Dallas team thinking about its longer-term future, particularly if it believes a different supporting cast could help him reach another level.His 2026 numbers, however, have raised concerns. Through six games, Herbert has completed 59.4% of his passes for five touchdowns and eight interceptions. Prescott has completed 66.3% of his attempts, with 1,639 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Those figures give Dallas the stronger statistical case at quarterback so far, even as the Cowboys struggle to win consistently.The larger issue is whether either team would benefit from the exchange. Herbert has struggled to deliver sustained playoff success, while Prescott has faced years of scrutiny over Dallas' postseason results. A new uniform might change the conversation, but it would not guarantee better protection, stronger defensive play or a deeper playoff run.For the Chargers, trading away a younger franchise quarterback for an older one would be a major decision. For Dallas, replacing a familiar leader with Herbert would carry its own risks. Esiason's proposal offers a fascinating hypothetical, but both teams would need far more than a quarterback swap to turn their seasons around.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.