The Chicago Bears took a major step forward this past season, snapping a 15-year playoff drought and giving fans a real reason to believe this rebuild is on the right track. With offensive coordinator-turned-head coach Ben Johnson leading the charge and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showing flashes of elite-level play, the foundation is clearly in place. But with success comes change, and the Bears are already feeling the ripple effects.
On Thursday, Chicago lost a key figure in their front office. Ian Cunningham, who had served as the team’s assistant general manager since 2022, is heading to the Atlanta Falcons to take on the role of general manager. He came to Chicago alongside GM Ryan Poles, and over the past four seasons, Cunningham helped shape a roster that finally looks ready to compete in the NFC.
Now, he’s getting his shot to lead a front office outright. But here’s the twist - despite Cunningham’s promotion, the Bears won’t receive the two third-round compensatory picks typically awarded when a minority executive is hired away for a top role.
Why? It all comes down to the Falcons’ new front office structure.
Atlanta made headlines earlier this offseason when they cleaned house, parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot. But instead of sticking with the traditional hierarchy, Falcons owner Arthur Blank introduced a new role: president of football. And in a move that raised more than a few eyebrows, he tapped former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to fill it.
Under this setup, both the head coach and general manager report directly to Ryan. That makes him the top football decision-maker in the building - not Cunningham. And because of that distinction, the league’s compensatory policy doesn’t apply in this case.
The NFL’s rule - part of a 2020 amendment to the collective bargaining agreement - was designed to incentivize teams to develop and promote minority candidates for leadership roles. When a minority staffer is hired away as a head coach or top executive, their previous team receives draft compensation.
But the key phrase here is “top executive.” And since Ryan now holds that title in Atlanta, Cunningham’s move doesn’t qualify.
It’s a tough break for the Bears, who had every reason to expect those extra picks. In a league where draft capital is currency, missing out on two third-rounders stings - especially for a team still building out its depth and long-term roster.
As it stands, Chicago heads into the 2026 NFL Draft with seven selections. They own their original picks in the first, second, third, fifth, and seventh rounds. They’ve also picked up a fourth-rounder from the Rams and an additional seventh-round pick from the Browns.
While they won’t get the bonus picks for Cunningham, the Bears still have plenty of ammunition to continue building around their young core. And with Johnson’s offensive mind steering the ship and Caleb Williams showing signs of becoming something special, there’s real momentum in the Windy City.
The loss of Cunningham is a reminder of how quickly things evolve in the NFL. When you start winning, other teams come calling - and that’s not a bad thing.
It means you’re doing something right. Now, it’s up to the Bears to keep that progress going.