The Dallas Cowboys have already made one of their biggest moves of 2022, keeping Will McClay on staff as Vice President of Player Personnel with a new contract. With at least three teams looking for new General Managers this offseason, getting McClay off the board is a huge win for Dallas.
While Jerry Jones retains the GM title for the Cowboys, McClay and Executive VP Stephen Jones in many ways collaboratively perform that role for the team. In the last few years, many have even called McClay the “unofficial GM” in Dallas.
One of the top teams in the NFC this year, the Cowboys have a largely homegrown roster thanks to Will’s work as a talent evaluator for the draft. He’s also involved in scouting current NFL talent for trades and free agency, and had a big win last year with veteran Safety Jayron Kearse being added to the roster.
One of the top GM candidates who hasn’t been mentioned much is #Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay. From what I understand, he’s expected to stay in Dallas, with the team closing in on a deal to keep him. A major move coming for the Cowboys.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2022
Here's what #WillMcClay has told me so many offseasons now he oughta just cut-and-paste it to me when I call him:
'I'm very happy with my role with the Cowboys. It is a family and I want to be a part of building a string of successful championship teams.
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) January 13, 2022
A contract extension is complete for Cowboys front-office ace Will McClay, source confirmed. He’s retained as VP of player personnel. McClay a vital leader in the Cowboys’ operation, widely respected for his talent evaluation, leadership and temperament.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 13, 2022
4 of 5 Cowboys Pro Bowlers were drafted by Dallas, plus this year's 1,000-yard receiver (CeeDee Lamb) and 1,000-yard rusher (Ezekiel Elliott). Goes without saying Will McClay and his staff have done an outstanding job over the years and well deserved he's back on a new deal.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) January 13, 2022
Will McClay has agreed to a new contract to remain the Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel.
Dak Prescott on McClay: “Stand-up guy, first-class. Has a great eye for talent … he’s a guy I look to and I turn to when I have a question. Excited for him.”
— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) January 13, 2022
As of today the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants are all looking for new general managers. A few more teams could join the list over the next few weeks.
While Jones has yet to give up the GM title to McClay, you can rest assured that he’s probably the richest VP of Player Personnel in football. Dallas would loathe losing him to any team, let alone rivals in the NFC East or within the conference.
If the Giants could, you can bet they’d love to steal McClay away from the Cowboys.
But now we know this key piece to the front office isn’t going anywhere. Will McClay will remain in place in 2022 and hopefully beyond, helping Dallas find the next Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and other gems in future drafts.
