Ian Cunningham Advocates for Bears to Get Compensatory Picks

The Chicago Bears may be eligible for two compensatory third-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to former assistant general manager Ian Cunningham. Cunningham, who recently became the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, expressed his belief during a media session in Indianapolis ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, teams that nurture a minority candidate into a general manager or head coach position are entitled to receive two third-round compensatory picks. This rule aims to encourage diversity within leadership roles in the league. Although the NFL has yet to confirm whether the Bears will receive these picks this spring, Cunningham’s comments shed light on the situation.

Cunningham’s transition to the Falcons raises questions about the interpretation of the rule. The guideline stipulates that the general manager must be a “primary football executive.” This designation becomes complicated by the presence of Matt Ryan, who serves as the “president of football” operations in Atlanta. Given that Cunningham reports to Ryan, the nature of his role as the primary decision-maker is under scrutiny.

“I haven’t had much time to really dive into the wording of it, [but] it was always my interpretation that if a general manager gets hired, that team would receive two third-round picks,” Cunningham remarked when asked about the Bears’ potential compensation. “I’m a general manager. I was hired, and I would think they would get two third-round picks. I don’t know the wording of it. That’s just my perspective.”

Cunningham’s tenure with the Bears spanned four seasons, during which he played a significant role in the franchise’s success. Under his watch, the Bears clinched the NFC North title in 2018 and achieved their first playoff victory since 2010. He credits the organization for facilitating his growth, which ultimately led to his new position in Atlanta. “I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for them giving me that job and helping me grow so that I could get this job now,” he said.

In light of these developments, the Bears have reportedly reached out to the NFL for clarification regarding their eligibility for the compensatory picks. Should the league approve their request, the team would receive an additional third-round pick in both the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on the NFL’s decision regarding the Bears’ potential compensation. The implications of this ruling could significantly impact the Bears’ draft strategy in the coming years, underscoring the importance of understanding the nuances of the league’s compensation rules.