Here’s Why the Bears Won’t Receive Comp Picks for Losing Ian Cunningham to Falcons

The Chicago Bears will head into the next two NFL drafts without the compensatory selections many fans assumed were coming, after assistant general manager Ian Cunningham’s recent departure to the Atlanta Falcons. Despite initial speculation that the Bears would be awarded third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 under the league’s minority hiring resolution, the NFL has determined the move does not meet the criteria spelled out in the rule.

The resolution, designed to encourage upward mobility for minority candidates, grants draft compensation only when a candidate is hired into a head-coaching role or becomes the franchise’s “primary football executive.” In Atlanta, that designation belongs to Matt Ryan, who retains final authority over personnel matters. Because Cunningham will not hold the top decision-making position, the Bears are ineligible for the extra selections.

The distinction has created confusion before. When the Falcons hired Terry Fontenot as general manager in 2022, New Orleans received compensatory picks because Fontenot was viewed as the club’s primary football executive, even though team president and CEO Rich McKay remained involved in football operations.

Inside Halas Hall, Cunningham’s exit leaves a tangible void. He was a key voice in roster construction under general manager Ryan Poles and provided a steadying presence in the draft room. Chicago will now move forward without both Cunningham’s expertise and the draft capital many expected to receive.