The Dallas Cowboys are one of the teams best at discovering talent throughout the NFL Draft and turning those prospects into impact players at the next level. That's why Dallas hasn't been particularly active in NFL free agency in recent years, but the Cowboys' front office that has made all of this happen could take a hit in 2025.
While Jerry Jones serves as the Cowboys' official general manager, the team's ownership relies heavily on one of the best front offices in football. Stephen Jones, COO and Director of Player Personnel, works closely with Will McCray, Vice President of Football Operations, to manage football operations.
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Widely regarded as one of the best talent evaluators in the NFL, McCray has been sought after by other teams for years when general manager vacancies arose. But the Tennessee native remains loyal to the organization he's been with since 2002.
Most recently, McCray turned down interview opportunities from multiple teams this offseason. As he told DallasCowboys.com in January, he is fully committed to the franchise. However, that could change after the 2024 NFL season.
“I talked to a few people, but I didn't want to waste anyone's time. I'm here to commit. The commitment I made to my son and the organization. We're going to roll with it. I have one year left on my contract.”
Will McCray announces he will remain with the Dallas Cowboys in January
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Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter jolie epsteinIn her latest podcast, Inside Coverage, the former Cowboys reporter explained why she thinks there's a real chance McCray will leave the organization in 2025 to become the general manager of another team. .
“A big reason why the Cowboys were able to keep him in basically this pseudo-GM role is that he basically just does his job and doesn't get any credit for it, but his son Gabe I want Gabe to move because he's in high school and he wasn't… Gabe is graduating next year. I wouldn't be surprised if Will McCray is the general manager of another team a year from now. ”
Jolie Epstein talks about Dallas Cowboys executive Will McCray
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It's too early to read which teams could potentially fill the general manager position next season, but there's no doubt that the potential acquisition of McCray will open up more positions. The club has wanted him for years, and a strong endorsement from Jones would also have a huge impact across the NFL.
From the Cowboys' perspective, retaining McCray could be difficult considering Jerry Jones retains the title of general manager and he remains the face of the franchise. So with McCray's son set to graduate, the 2024 NFL Draft could be the Cowboys' last draft with a top evaluator.
