Cunningham: Bears Should Get Picks for Falcons GM Hire

Ian Cunningham, recently hired as the Atlanta Falcons' general manager, believes the Bears should receive compensatory draft picks under the NFL's Rooney Rule. The rule typically awards two third-round picks to teams that develop minority executives who move on to GM or head coaching positions. However, the Bears are not expected to receive these picks because Matt Ryan is considered the top football executive in Atlanta.

Cunningham, who spoke at a Scouting Combine press conference, stated: '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.' Meanwhile, Bears GM Ryan Poles called the situation 'a little odd' and described the entire rule as 'strange,' noting the Chiefs received picks when he was hired in Chicago.