Bears didn't get picks for Ian Cunningham hire because Matt Ryan is Falcons' "primary football executive"

The NFL has determined that Ian Cunningham, hired as the general manager successor to Terry Fontenot for the Atlanta Falcons, will not be considered the primary football executive, a role filled by Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ new president of football operations. This decision prevents the Chicago Bears from receiving two third-round compensatory draft picks under the Rooney Rule, which rewards teams for developing minority personnel who earn promotions. Ryan, who also interviewed for the GM position, has stated that Cunningham will oversee free agency and the draft. This ruling contrasts with the Falcons’ 2022 hiring of Fontenot, which allowed the New Orleans Saints to receive compensatory picks despite Rich McKay’s involvement as team president. An explanation for the inconsistency has been requested from the league.