Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham could be up for a GM gig this offseason, which could benefit the team for the 2025 draft
This is not the first time Chicago Bears fans have heard the idea of Ian Cunningham spreading his wings and landing a general manager job elsewhere. It was believed that there was a decent chance that he would be plucked by another organization last year, but him choosing to stay in the Windy City leaves many reasons to believe that his time to depart could be coming.
Albert Breer had further thoughts on Cunningham’s future following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season and that there could be a tie between him and the Indianapolis Colts. It’s unknown whether the Colts will keep around current general manager Chris Ballard beyond this year, and Cunningham has a connection to some of the key figures in that organization.
“Do they (the Colts) look at Shane Steichen and say ‘ok, you can bring in your own guy,’ Breer says. “Do you bring in someone like Ian Cunningham from Chicago who you were with in Philadelphia?”
Connections are everywhere throughout the NFL. Reports surfaced this week that the Chicago Bears front office will be doing their research on potential head coaching candidate Brian Flores from the Minnesota Vikings. Flores has his own connections to the Bears due to his time playing college football with Ryan Poles and CEO Kevin Warren’s ties to Minnesota after spending time in the organization.
Whether it’s in coaching or management, having a tie somewhere is always a good first impression to try and advance a career in the NFL. Cunningham could very well have that opportunity presented to him if the Colts come calling.
If Cunningham does leave the Chicago Bears after this season, the team will receive a compensation draft selection for his departure. The estimated compensation at the moment would be two third-round picks, one in 2025 and the other in 2026. This would give the franchise nine draft choices in April, and five in the first three rounds.
Why adding another day two draft selection would be huge for the Chicago Bears
With the Chicago Bears needing to repair both sides of the line this offseason, the front office certainly won’t hate having more throws at the dart board via the draft. Unfortunately, Ryan Poles and the rest of the management team won’t have Cunningham with them to make these key decisions on who to select in the draft and who to target in free agency. There is something to say that if Cunningham has to leave the franchise, it’s good to know the Bears will not be left totally empty-handed.
Names like Kelvin Banks Jr. and Will Campbell have been floated around as potential draft targets for the Chicago Bears with their first-round draft choice in 2025. However, Poles and friends will need to do more than just nail the top pick they have to come out of the draft feeling successful.
Depth is extremely important in the NFL and starters can be found all over the place in the first two days of any draft. With extra ammo in day two for the next couple of drafts due to Cunningham leaving for greener pastures, it gives the Chicago Bears a chance to get just a little bit stronger on the field.
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