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The NFL ruled that the Bears won’t receive draft pick compensation after losing Ian Cunningham to the Falcons
The Chicago Bears had a successful 2025 campaign, and while they suffered a tough loss in the playoffs at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, it’s clear that this team is headed in the right direction. As is typically the case in the NFL, though, when you enjoy some success, teams across the league will look to replicate what you’ve done.
As a result, the Bears have lost several key members of their coaching staff and front office early on this offseason. One of the more important departures saw assistant general manager Ian Cunningham leave for the Atlanta Falcons‘ general manager opening. Initially, it seemed like this move would lead to Chicago receiving a pair of draft picks after Cunningham departed, but the NFL revealed in a surprise decision that wouldn’t be happening.
Why Did the Bears Not Get Draft Pick Compensation After Losing Ian Cunningham?
Over the past decade or so, Cunningham has turned himself into one of the top up-and-coming executives in the NFL. After spending nine years working with the Baltimore Ravens, Cunningham found his way to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent four years of his career. Since 2022, though, Cunningham has worked as the Bears’ assistant general manager.
Cunningham had become a top candidate for several general manager openings in the past year or so, and he finally landed with the Falcons after they moved on from Terry Fontenot. However, making matters a bit more complicated when it comes to Atlanta’s front office is that it hired former superstar quarterback Matt Ryan to come in and be its new president of football.
In normal circumstances, Chicago would receive a pair of third-round draft picks as part of the Rooney Rule, which rewards teams for developing minority employees who receive promotions across the league. However, that only happens when the employee is a “primary football executive.” With Ryan spearheading the front office, the NFL has ruled that Cunningham is not the Falcons’ primary football executive, meaning the Bears won’t receive any draft compensation.
“Regarding the Falcons’ hiring of former Bears assistant G.M. Ian Cunningham to be the successor to Terry Fontenot, the NFL decided that Cunningham will not be the primary football executive,” Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk explained. “Which prevented the Bears from getting a pair of third-round picks under the provision in the Rooney Rule that rewards teams for developing minority employees who secure promotions.”
Bears Left Scratching Their Heads Over Confusing NFL Ruling
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 14: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns on December 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
This ruling is confusing, to say the least. Ryan has publicly come out and said that Cunningham will be controlling the team’s free agent and draft strategy moving forward, which seems to indicate that he is the one making the decisions in the front office. And yet, Atlanta managed to somehow prevent Chicago from landing a pair of draft picks, simply because the league still believes Ryan is running the show.
While that very well may be true, it’s clear that Cunningham is going to play a big role in determining what the Falcons’ roster looks like next season. That should have led to the Bears receiving draft pick compensation after losing Cunningham, but the NFL thinks otherwise. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s easy to see why Chicago feels hard done by when it comes to this decision.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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