Dak Prescott to the Saints? Derek Carr to the Cowboys? A Potential Quarterback Swap That Could Rock the NFL
In a move that could shake the very foundation of the NFC, rumors have begun to swirl around a potential blockbuster trade involving two star quarterbacks: Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints. While the idea of swapping quarterbacks between two high-profile teams in the same conference seems far-fetched, the speculation is growing louder. Could we actually see Prescott land in New Orleans and Carr make his way to Dallas? This trade scenario, if it were to come to fruition, would have major ramifications not only for both teams but also for the entire league as the quarterback carousel spins into high gear this offseason.
The Background: Disappointment and Frustration
Before delving into whether a trade like this is possible, it’s important to understand the context surrounding both Dak Prescott’s and Derek Carr’s current situations. Both quarterbacks have had their share of highs and lows in recent years, leading to ongoing questions about their long-term futures with their respective teams.
For Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys are once again facing questions about his ability to lead the team to the promised land of the Super Bowl. After several seasons of strong regular-season performances, Prescott has struggled in critical playoff games, with the Cowboys often falling short of expectations. This recurring pattern of underperformance in high-stakes moments has led to increasing scrutiny of Prescott’s leadership and overall ability to win when it matters most. While Prescott’s overall statistics remain solid, and he has shown flashes of brilliance, many in the Cowboys’ fan base and front office are beginning to question whether he is the quarterback who can finally break Dallas’ 28-year Super Bowl drought.
On the other hand, Derek Carr’s time with the New Orleans Saints has been a rollercoaster. After leaving the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and signing a four-year, $150 million contract with New Orleans, Carr was expected to be the steady hand that could guide the Saints back to the playoffs. However, his first season with the team was underwhelming. Despite a roster with some strong individual pieces, including a top-tier defense and skilled offensive players like wide receiver Chris Olave, Carr struggled to find consistency. The Saints finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, and Carr’s inability to consistently execute the offense left fans and analysts questioning his fit in New Orleans.
The Saints’ offensive woes, combined with Carr’s lack of chemistry with his receiving corps and offensive line, have fueled speculation that New Orleans could be in the market for a new quarterback sooner rather than later. For a team with a competitive defense but an offense that has struggled to put up points, a change at quarterback seems inevitable if the Saints hope to remain competitive in the NFC South.
Could Dak Prescott Be the Answer for the Saints?
Now, let’s entertain the possibility of Dak Prescott landing in New Orleans. On paper, Prescott has many qualities that would make him an attractive option for the Saints. His leadership, experience in big games, and ability to throw the ball downfield would certainly address some of the offensive issues that have plagued New Orleans. The Saints’ offense has been hampered by a lack of big plays, and Prescott’s ability to stretch the field and get the ball to his playmakers could be a major upgrade for a team that is desperate for a jolt on that side of the ball.
Additionally, Prescott is more mobile than Carr, which could provide added value for a Saints team that has had trouble keeping its quarterbacks upright. The Saints’ offensive line has been inconsistent, and Prescott’s ability to evade pressure and make plays with his legs could help mitigate some of those issues. With a strong supporting cast—including wide receivers Olave and Michael Thomas (if he can stay healthy)—and a formidable defense, Prescott could be the missing piece for a Saints team that is in win-now mode.
However, there are plenty of questions surrounding this potential move. First, Prescott’s contract remains a major hurdle. The Cowboys have invested heavily in Prescott, and his contract, which includes a substantial base salary and significant dead cap hits, would need to be worked out in any potential trade. The Saints, already dealing with a difficult salary cap situation, would need to restructure or make other moves to accommodate Prescott’s salary. The financial logistics of this deal are complex, and the Saints may be reluctant to take on such a large cap hit, especially with their current cap issues.
Furthermore, while Prescott may provide an upgrade over Carr, there are still concerns about his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Prescott has shown a tendency to underperform in playoff games, which is exactly what the Saints were hoping to avoid when they brought Carr in. Would Prescott really be the solution, or would his arrival simply add to the Saints’ quarterback instability?
Why Derek Carr to the Cowboys Makes Sense
Now, let’s consider the flip side of the equation: Derek Carr heading to Dallas. On the surface, this move seems less likely, but there are some compelling reasons why it could work for the Cowboys.
Carr would provide the Cowboys with a veteran quarterback who has proven he can produce during the regular season, even if he has struggled to find consistent success in the playoffs. While Prescott has his moments of brilliance, Carr has been more reliable over the course of his career in terms of avoiding turnovers and moving the ball efficiently. For a Cowboys offense that is loaded with playmakers like running back Tony Pollard, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and tight end Jake Ferguson, Carr could step in and immediately make the offense more efficient.
Additionally, Carr’s leadership and experience would mesh well with the Cowboys’ high-powered offense, and he would be able to make quick decisions and get the ball out quickly, which is critical given the pressures that Dak Prescott has faced from opposing defenses in recent years. Carr is also known for being calm under pressure, which could prove to be an asset in high-stakes playoff games. The Cowboys have long been searching for a quarterback who can perform in clutch moments, and Carr, while not perfect, has shown the ability to play at a high level in regular-season games.
One of the key factors driving this potential trade is the possibility that the Cowboys’ front office might be growing weary of Prescott’s inability to perform in the postseason. The Cowboys have a championship-caliber roster but have failed to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs in recent years. With the Cowboys in win-now mode, they may look to move on from Prescott if they believe there is another quarterback who can offer more stability and consistency in big games. In this scenario, Carr, while no stranger to postseason disappointment himself, could be seen as a safer bet than Prescott, who continues to struggle with inconsistency in the biggest moments.
However, like with the Saints, there are questions about Carr’s fit with the Cowboys. The team has invested heavily in Prescott, and trading for Carr would mean giving up valuable draft picks or other assets, which might not sit well with the front office. Additionally, Carr’s tendency to struggle in high-pressure games may give the Cowboys pause, as they would want a quarterback who can perform when the stakes are highest. Carr’s lack of playoff success could mirror the frustrations Dallas has faced with Prescott, leading the Cowboys to wonder if a fresh start at the quarterback position is what they need.
Could This Deal Really Happen?
While the idea of a straight-up quarterback swap between two NFC rivals is certainly intriguing, the logistics of such a trade would be incredibly difficult to pull off. Both teams have substantial financial commitments to their quarterbacks, and finding the right compensation for a deal like this would be challenging. The Cowboys and Saints would need to work out the terms of the trade, which could include additional assets such as draft picks, players, or a restructuring of contracts. There would also be concerns about the impact on team chemistry and locker room dynamics, as both quarterbacks have been central figures on their respective teams for several years.
Additionally, there are other options available to both teams. The Saints could look to draft a quarterback or sign a free agent, while the Cowboys may choose to stick with Prescott for at least one more season, giving him another chance to prove himself in the postseason. Nonetheless, the rumors surrounding this potential trade are enough to generate significant interest, and it’s clear that both teams will have to make important decisions about their quarterback situations in the coming months.
Conclusion
The possibility of Dak Prescott moving to the New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr heading to the Dallas Cowboys is certainly a fascinating one. While the idea of a quarterback swap between these two teams may seem unlikely, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility given the growing dissatisfaction with both players’ performances in critical moments. As both teams look to improve their quarterback play and solidify their positions in the NFC, this offseason could bring about some surprising changes that could alter the landscape of the league.
Whether or not this trade actually materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: both the Cowboys and the Saints have crucial decisions to make regarding their quarterback positions, and the entire NFL world will be watching to see how this situation plays out.
