The Chicago Bears are facing a potential setback regarding compensatory draft picks following the hiring of Ian Cunningham as General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons. Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, teams that develop minority executives are entitled to receive two third-round picks when those individuals are hired by other clubs. However, the Bears are not expected to receive these selections after Cunningham’s departure.
According to the NFL’s interpretation, the Bears will not be compensated because Matt Ryan, the president of football operations in Atlanta, is the highest-ranking football executive. Ryan recently stated that Cunningham is the one “driving the ship” in the Falcons’ operations. This has raised questions about the application of the Rooney Rule in Cunningham’s case.
During a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine on March 5, 2024, Cunningham expressed his belief that the Bears should be awarded the draft picks based on his understanding of the rule. “I haven’t had much time to really dive into the wording of it,” he said. “It was always my interpretation that if a general manager gets hired, that team would receive two third-round picks. I’m the General Manager. I was hired. I would think that they would get two third-round picks.”
Cunningham acknowledged the role the Bears played in his development, stating, “I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for them giving me that job and helping me grow to get this job right now.”
The situation has drawn comments from Bears GM Ryan Poles, who described the circumstances as “a little odd.” He recalled that the Kansas City Chiefs received compensatory picks when he was hired by the Bears, and he characterized the entire Rooney Rule as “strange.” Despite this, Poles affirmed that it is “very clear” the Bears should receive compensatory picks in this instance.
The NFL’s decision to deny the Bears compensatory selections not only raises concerns about the consistency of the Rooney Rule but also highlights the complexities surrounding executive hiring practices within the league. As franchises aim to build competitive teams, the implications of such rules can significantly affect their draft strategies and overall roster development.
As the situation unfolds, the Bears will be looking to clarify their standing regarding the Rooney Rule and any potential compensation. The outcomes of these discussions could have lasting effects on both Cunningham’s new role in Atlanta and the Bears’ future draft strategies.
