The Chicago Bears' 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. Clinching the NFC North and taking down the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round, they made a strong statement.
Caleb Williams has clearly elevated his game, and Ben Johnson's integration into the team has been seamless. As they head into the offseason, GM Ryan Poles faces some challenges, notably the lack of compensatory picks for the departure of Ian Cunningham.
Cunningham, who has taken on the role of GM with the Atlanta Falcons, was expected to bring the Bears multiple third-round picks as per NFL regulations. This expectation stems from the Rooney Rule, which rewards teams for developing talent for head coach and GM roles. Yet, those picks have not materialized, leaving Bears fans and Cunningham himself puzzled.
Jason Lieser of The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Cunningham believes the Bears are entitled to two third-round picks due to his hiring by the Falcons. Despite this understanding, the compensation has yet to be confirmed, leading to mounting frustration among Bears supporters.
Cunningham's rise to the Falcons' GM position is a significant milestone, and according to NFL rules, the Bears should be compensated with those picks. The lack of clarity on why this hasn't been finalized remains a mystery. Some speculate that Matt Ryan's executive role in Atlanta might play a part, though Cunningham's responsibilities align with typical GM duties.
This unresolved issue is likely to remain a hot topic until addressed. Both the Bears and their fanbase are understandably discontented, and Cunningham's vocal questioning of the NFL adds another layer to the unfolding narrative. As the offseason progresses, this situation will be one to watch closely.