IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys’ success has helped benefit the players and coaches. And now it extends to owner and general manager Jerry Jones -- and not in a business sense.

Jones was named the NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America on Thursday, the first time he has been so honored by the group.

The Cowboys finished 12-4 and won their first playoff game since 2009 this season. The moves made in the offseason helped direct them to an NFC East title. It started with the decisions to say goodbye to long-time players DeMarcus Ware and Miles Austin, in salary-cap moves.

The Cowboys passed on a big-money offer to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jason Hatcher and brought in low-cost free agents like Jeremy Mincey, Henry Melton and Terrell McClain. Jones was able to talk Rolando McClain out of retirement and worked a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, giving up what turned out to be a 2015 sixth rounder for the linebacker as well as the Ravens’ seventh rounder.

The Cowboys added players like C.J. Spillman and Jack Crawford after the final cuts that made significant contributions.

But the best move Jones made might have been the one he initially regretted the most. With the 16th overall pick in the first round the Cowboys took guard Zack Martin even though Jones had an infatuation with quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Martin started every game, was named to the Pro Bowl and became the first Cowboys’ rookie since 1969 to be named All-Pro. Martin became the third first-round pick the Cowboys used on an offensive lineman since 2011, joining Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick.