Ian Cunningham
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 20: General manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
When the Chicago Bears saw assistant general manager Ian Cunningham leave to become the Atlanta Falcons’ GM, the assumption was that Chicago would be receiving two third-round picks as part of the Rooney Rule, which rewards teams for developing minority employees who receive promotions across the league. That wasn’t the case.
According to Atlanta, Cunningham isn’t the “primary football executive.” Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ president of football, is.
“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.”
However, according to Cunningham himself, the Bears should receive the compensation picks for his departure.
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham: Bears “Should Receive Draft Picks”
During an interview at the NFL Combine, Cunningham expressed that while he doesn’t know the official wording of the rule, his interpretation is that the Bears should get the two draft picks for him being hired. He added that he wouldn’t be where he is now if it weren’t for the Bears.
Poles also said the Bears have communicated through the right channels regarding draft pick compensation for Ian Cunningham leaving to become the Falcons GM. Also added that it’s up to the NFL at this point.
Why make a Rooney Rule in the first place to “incentivize” developing employees who are minorities? Poles commented on this, saying, “To be honest, it is a little strange. You should want to develop your staff regardless of the color of their skin.”
He’s right. Regardless of skin color, teams should be happy to develop their employees, and even with the Rooney Rule right now, the Bears aren’t even receiving the compensation picks they deserve.
Cunningham Comments on Ryan Poles
Aside from all the draft picks drama, Cunningham had a chance to give his thoughts on Poles, saying, “It’s nothing new. We were rivals in college. I miss him. I miss Chicago. I miss those guys. But I’m looking forward to competing against him and the rest of the crew.”
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Falcons GM and former Bears asst. GM Ian Cunningham on Ryan Poles:
“It’s nothing new. We were rivals in college. I miss him. I miss Chicago. I miss those guys. But I’m looking forward to competing against him and the rest of the crew.”
Cunningham made his first major move as Atlanta’s GM, announcing that the team plans to release quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year on March 11. He added that he spoke with Cousins and his representation, and this decision was made “out of respect” to Cousins.
Bears fans have the right to be frustrated over the whole compensation picks dilemma. Not receiving two third-round picks is a huge deal, and it’s good that Poles went through the right channels to get more clarity on the situation.
Now, the NFL should do the right thing and give the Bears draft picks in compensation for Cunningham’s departure.