NFL Insider hints latest news involving Matt Ryan could end up netting the Chicago Bears unexpected future draft picks
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles could use his connection with Matt Ryan to his advantage.
The Chicago Bears have a lot of pressing matters at the forefront of the team’s attention, starting with the regular season finale against the Detroit Lions and the postseason opportunity that follows.
There is, however, other opportunities that await certain individuals inside the Bears’ building over the next few weeks when it comes to the coaching staff and the front office.
The big one involves assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, with the hiring cycle about to start heating up in a few weeks. If Cunningham lands a general manager job this cycle, Chicago would net two third-round compensatory draft picks, one in the 2026 NFL Draft and one in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Over the last few cycles, multiple teams have been interested in hiring Cunningham as a general manager, but he hasn’t been able to fully cross the finish line. Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ righthand man might finally have the opportunity to do this time around thanks to a close connection with an unexpected team that doesn’t even have an opening, yet.
Matt Ryan’s potential front office role with the Atlanta Falcons could lead to major changes
Earlier in the week, it was reported that former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan was “seriously considering” re-joining the Falcons in a front office role. Ryan spent 14 years in Atlanta during his playing career and someone that still has a lot of trust from Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank.
So, it makes sense that Atlanta would consider bringing Ryan back in to help make some major decisions after the season comes to a close, which includes the future of Falcons’ general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris.
On Friday, Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer noted Atlanta’s recent winning streak down the stretch bodes well for Morris’ chances of sticking around, but the same can’t be said for Fontenot, and that’s where Cunningham comes into play in all this.
Breer hints Matt Ryan’s connection with Ryan Poles can help Ian Cunningham land a GM gig
“If there’s a GM change, Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham would be a name to watch, given the close relationship between Ryan and Chicago GM Ryan Poles, who was a lineman for the quarterback at Boston College 20 years ago,” Breer wrote on Friday.
Now, there’s a lot of big if’s in this scenario but coming from someone as plugged as Breer, there’s definitely some smoke here and it makes sense. Having that close connection with Ryan can also allow Poles finally help Cunningham get a solid foot into the door ahead of a potential interview.
Cunningham has been with the Bears since 2022 and previously was the director of player personnel with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has everything you could need on a resume and Chicago’s new-found success in 2025 under head coach Ben Johnson with an improved roster only adds more value to his name.
Saying this all works out for Cunningham and he finally lands a general manager role, the Bears would also be able to add some future draft picks in the process to continue building that contending roster.
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