The NFL has clarified that the Chicago Bears will not be receiving two third-round compensatory picks following the hiring of Ian Cunningham by the Atlanta Falcons as their new general manager. And while that might raise some eyebrows among fans familiar with the league’s diversity hiring incentive policy, the explanation comes down to one key detail: who holds the title of "primary football executive" in Atlanta.
That distinction belongs to Matt Ryan - yes, that Matt Ryan. The longtime Falcons quarterback, now turned executive, is officially listed as the individual overseeing all football operations in Atlanta.
According to the league’s policy, compensatory draft picks are awarded only when a minority candidate is hired away to become either a head coach or the primary football executive of another team. Since Ryan holds that top executive title, Cunningham’s hiring doesn’t meet the criteria for the Bears to receive those picks.
The NFL confirmed this in a statement, saying: “The policy for receiving picks pertains to the head coach or the primary football executive. The primary football executive position was filled by Matt Ryan.”
Now, the confusion here isn’t without merit. Ryan recently stated that Cunningham would be the one running free agency and the draft for the Falcons - responsibilities typically associated with a general manager.
But in Atlanta’s organizational structure, Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski both report to Ryan, who has the final say on all football decisions. That puts Ryan squarely in the top seat, regardless of Cunningham’s day-to-day responsibilities.
It's also worth noting that Atlanta followed the Rooney Rule in its hiring process for Ryan, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for senior football operations positions. That rule applies even when the hire is a well-known former player stepping into a front office role.
Cunningham's rise through the NFL ranks has been impressive. He got his start with the Ravens back in 2008 as a personnel assistant, then worked as an area scout until 2016.
From there, he joined the Eagles’ front office, climbing the ladder from director of college scouting to assistant director of player personnel, eventually becoming director of player personnel. In 2022, the Bears brought him on as assistant general manager, a role he’s held until this offseason.
As for Ryan, his transition from field general to front office executive adds another chapter to an already decorated NFL career. Drafted third overall by the Falcons in 2008, Ryan spent 14 seasons in Atlanta before being traded to the Colts in 2022.
He signed a massive extension in 2018 - five years, $150 million with $100 million guaranteed - before finishing out his playing days in Indianapolis. After one season with the Colts, Ryan was released and later retired.
In total, Ryan played 234 games, threw for nearly 63,000 yards, 381 touchdowns, and was intercepted 183 times. He added over 1,500 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. His career accolades include being named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2016, a first-team All-Pro nod, and four Pro Bowl selections.
Now, he’s tasked with shaping the Falcons’ future from the front office - a rare second act for a player who once led the franchise to the brink of a Super Bowl title. And while the Bears won’t get the draft picks they might’ve hoped for, Cunningham’s move to a top football role in Atlanta is still a significant step in his own executive journey.