NFL reveals why Bears won't get compensatory picks for losing Ian Cunningham to Falcons

This offseason has been a bit of a tumultuous one for the Chicago Bears. While there are plenty of positive vibes from the 2025 NFL season, there are a few clear negatives looming over the franchise.

The uncertainty about the stadium is one, as is the huge hole at edge rusher remaining after the first waves of free agency. But the biggest issue has been the lack of compensatory draft picks for losing Ian Cunningham to the Atlanta Falcons.

Chicago has been lobbying to get the compensatory picks from the NFL, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the NFL handed down a verdict that Bears fans and the organization will not like.

NFL doesn't award compensatory picks to Bears for Ian Cunningham's hire

"The Bears have been lobbying for draft pick compensation following the hire of Ian Cunningham as Falcons GM. Today, the NFL responded, stating there will be no picks coming," Rapoport reported.

As part of the NFL rules, if a team loses a minority to another team's GM or head coach opening, they will land draft pick compensation in the form of third-round picks.

But, in the Bears' case, despite losing Cunningham to the Falcons for their general manager job, Chicago won't be getting any compensatory picks in return.

The reasoning? The NFL deemed that Cunningham didn't fit the role required for comp picks for the Bears.

"The matter is now closed following the club's appeal," The NFL announced. "The NFL informed the Bears today they will not receive compensatory picks. The policy is designed to provide picks for the Primary Football Executive position. The League determined Mr. Cunningham did not fill that role with the Flacons as it is defined in League rules."

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This is a brutal update for the Bears, as they have officially lost Cunningham to the Falcons' general manager job without getting the third-round compensatory picks that, at least in theory, they should receive.

But, likely part of why the Bears aren't getting these compensatory picks is thanks to Matt Ryan technically having a higher job status than Cunningham.

Chicago won't be getting compensatory picks for losing Cunningham, a brutal ruling from the NFL for Chicago as they look to make the most of their sudden playoff window with rookie-contract Caleb Williams.

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