Bears still fighting the NFL for compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham

The Chicago Bears suffered some big losses this offseason, including assistant general manager Ian Cunningham leaving to become the Atlanta Falcons' GM. While the loss of Cunningham hurts itself, the lack of compensation for losing Cunningham hurts almost as much. The Bears weren't awarded two third-round compensatory picks (for 2026 and 2027) despite losing Cunningham to a promotion.

The NFL's argument is that Matt Ryan is technically in charge of football operations, even though he's said on multiple occasions that Cunningham is in charge of all things regarding the roster, which should mean Chicago gets their comp picks. But, according to Patrick Finley of the Sun-Times , the Bears are still trying to persuade the NFL to give them compensatory picks after losing Cunningham to the Falcons. Per Finley, Chicago expects an answer "soon.

" Bears GM Ryan Poles said during the NFL Scouting Combine that the Bears appealed the NFL , and both Poles and his former right-hand man Cunningham voiced their beliefs that Chicago should be awarded those draft picks. In the end, the NFL decided not to. But it sounds like the Bears aren't going down without a fight as they look to make another push to get the compensation they deserve, as stated by the Rooney Rule, following Cunningham's promotion.

We'll see if the NFL changes their stance with the 2026 NFL Draft just a few weeks out. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears trying to persuade NFL for compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham