NFL makes final ruling on Falcons-Bears compensatory pick dispute

When the Atlanta Falcons hired former Chicago Bears assistant Ian Cunningham as their general manager, most assumed the Bears would receive two compensatory draft picks from the NFL in accordance with Resolution JC-2A. However, Chicago was not awarded any picks from the league because Atlanta previously hired Matt Ryan as the team's president of football. Since Ryan is considered the primary football executive for the Falcons, the Bears are not eligible for their two compensatory third-round picks.

While Cunningham is technically the general manager, Ryan is still viewed as his boss. Chicago appealed this ruling, but the league wouldn't budge. NFL insider Ian Rapoport relayed the league's final ruling on Friday afternoon: "The matter is now closed following the club’s appeal.

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 Falcons as it is defined in League rules. " The NFL's diversity driven provision , which seeks to reward teams that develop minority personnel into head coaches and general managers, reads as follows: "The employer-club of a minority employee who has been hired by another club as its Head Coach or Primary Football Executive (General Manager) shall receive Draft choice compensation in the form of a compensatory Draft pick in the third round in each of the next two Drafts for an employee hired as either a Head Coach or Primary Football Executive, or for the next three Drafts if it has two employees hired for both positions. " The ruling doesn't affect the Falcons since the picks would have technically come from the league, but the Bears are rightfully upset.