The Falcons’ decision to rent Ian Cunningham as their recent general manager led to an initial decision by the NFL to not award compensatory draft picks to the Bears. Standard practice in recent times for minority hires has been for his or her previous employer to receive a third-round selection in two consecutive years.
The league’s stance on this case was that Cunningham will hold the GM title but won’t operate as Atlanta’s top decision-maker within the front office. Indeed, Matt Ryan will serve because the team’s president of football and in doing so will outrank Cunningham and the remainder of the Falcons’ management team. The Bears reached out to the NFL to debate the mater further, but a reversal won’t be forthcoming.
“The matter is now closed following the club’s appeal,” a league statement reads (h/t Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). “The NFL informed the Bears today they’ll not receive compensatory picks. The policy is designed to offer picks for the Primary Football Executive position. The League determined Mr. Cunningham didn’t fill that role with the Falcons because it is defined in League rules.”
Ryan’s return to Atlanta brought with it questions on his ability to oversee the wide-ranging changes brought on through the 2026 hiring cycle resulting from his lack of expereince. Cunningham and recent head coach Kevin Stefanski at the moment are within the fold, and they’ll look to bring about improved play relative to the Raheem Morris/Terry Fontenot tandem. Cunningham’s first NFL general manager opportunity will come about together with his hometown team.
The Bears will again be led within the front office by general manager Ryan Poles for 2026. Following Cunningham’s departure, Jeff King was promoted to the role of assistant GM. Those two and the remainder of Chicago’s staff will move forward knowing no compensation will probably be coming the team’s way. The Bears currently own seven picks in April’s draft.