Bears Take Stand Against NFL in Controversial Dispute

The Chicago Bears aren’t backing down in their ongoing dispute with the NFL, and time is starting to become a major factor.

With the 2026 NFL Draft just three weeks away, team president Kevin Warren made it clear that Chicago is still pushing for an answer regarding compensatory picks tied to Ian Cunningham’s departure.

According to Adam Hoge, Warren said the Bears remain “in communication with the NFL about the comp picks and waiting to hear back.”

The situation has been lingering for weeks, but there’s now increased urgency as the draft approaches.

Courtney Cronin added more context, reporting that Warren and chairman, George McCaskey, recently met with commissioner Roger Goodell in New York to personally present their case. The Bears believe Cunningham’s hiring as general manager of the Atlanta Falcons should qualify them for two third-round compensatory picks under the Rooney Rule.

“They expect an answer soon,” Cronin noted, reinforcing that a decision could be imminent.

Bears Continue Push for Comp Picks

Chicago’s argument centers on the belief that Cunningham’s move meets the spirit and intent of the league’s diversity-focused policy.

The Bears have maintained that Cunningham’s promotion to GM should trigger compensation, especially given the organization’s role in developing him. McCaskey emphasized that point during league meetings.

“I think we made a pretty compelling case,” McCaskey said. “We’ll just have to see what the decision is.”

Warren echoed a similar tone, framing the situation as a standard process rather than a confrontation.

“We’re simply trying to follow up with them… we feel we deserve the compensatory picks,” Warren said. “I’m sure ultimately we’ll hear something back here sooner rather than later.”

That patience hasn’t wavered publicly, but the timing adds pressure. The Bears currently hold seven picks in the upcoming draft, and adding even one additional third-rounder could meaningfully impact their draft strategy.

NFL Stance Remains Key Obstacle in Bears Case

So far, the NFL has held firm in its interpretation of the rule.

The league’s position hinges on the designation of “primary football executive,” which it has attributed to Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan, not Cunningham.

Still, Chicago isn’t alone in its viewpoint.

Cunningham himself has voiced support for the Bears’ stance.

“I’m the general manager, I was hired… I would think they would get two third-round picks,” he said.

Even Ryan acknowledged that Cunningham would operate in a traditional GM role.

“I’m not doing the scouting. I’m not running the meetings,” Ryan said. “Our general manager will do that.”

For now, the Bears are left waiting.

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