Bears' Assistant GM Ian Cunningham Makes Falcons the Focus in High-Stakes Job Hunt.
The Chicago Bears are losing one of their key personnel, as the team's assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is said to be a prized target for the Atlanta Falcons in their search for a new general manager. According to NFL Network reports, the Falcons have reached out to interview Cunningham, who played a crucial role in shaping Poles' vision.
Cunningham's past connections will also play a significant role in this potential move. His close friend Matt Ryan, the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, is reportedly one step closer to returning as president of football operations for the team. This brings him into close proximity with GM Ryan Poles and his inner circle.
If Cunningham leaves the Bears, the team will receive significant compensation, including a third-round pick in each of the next two drafts. When Poles took over four years ago, he brought Cunningham from Philadelphia, creating a new role as assistant general manager.
Cunningham previously passed on opportunities with other teams, including Arizona and Tennessee, opting instead to interview for the Jaguars job before ultimately returning to Chicago. However, his recent past has been marked by uncertainty, leaving him feeling "awkward" during the search process in Tennessee and later struggling to rejoin the Bears team.
When asked about his time spent interviewing with Tennessee, Cunningham acknowledged that it was a difficult experience and admitted he felt like he was "in limbo." He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but also struggled to cope with the uncertainty. When the Jaguars opening arose, Cunningham distanced himself from Chicago's free agent meetings before they ultimately went on to hire James Gladstone.
Cunningham has learned to pick himself up after setbacks and continues to balance his own aspirations with loyalty to his current team. As he navigates this high-stakes job hunt, one thing is clear: the Falcons have a serious contender in Cunningham if they are willing to make him an offer.
The Chicago Bears are losing one of their key personnel, as the team's assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is said to be a prized target for the Atlanta Falcons in their search for a new general manager. According to NFL Network reports, the Falcons have reached out to interview Cunningham, who played a crucial role in shaping Poles' vision.
Cunningham's past connections will also play a significant role in this potential move. His close friend Matt Ryan, the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, is reportedly one step closer to returning as president of football operations for the team. This brings him into close proximity with GM Ryan Poles and his inner circle.
If Cunningham leaves the Bears, the team will receive significant compensation, including a third-round pick in each of the next two drafts. When Poles took over four years ago, he brought Cunningham from Philadelphia, creating a new role as assistant general manager.
Cunningham previously passed on opportunities with other teams, including Arizona and Tennessee, opting instead to interview for the Jaguars job before ultimately returning to Chicago. However, his recent past has been marked by uncertainty, leaving him feeling "awkward" during the search process in Tennessee and later struggling to rejoin the Bears team.
When asked about his time spent interviewing with Tennessee, Cunningham acknowledged that it was a difficult experience and admitted he felt like he was "in limbo." He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but also struggled to cope with the uncertainty. When the Jaguars opening arose, Cunningham distanced himself from Chicago's free agent meetings before they ultimately went on to hire James Gladstone.
Cunningham has learned to pick himself up after setbacks and continues to balance his own aspirations with loyalty to his current team. As he navigates this high-stakes job hunt, one thing is clear: the Falcons have a serious contender in Cunningham if they are willing to make him an offer.
that Ian Cunningham is being courted by the Falcons. He's been playing both sides for too long now...I mean, his friendship with Matt Ryan will definitely come into play here. But let me tell you, it's gonna be tough for him to leave the Bears after what they've invested in him. They gotta give him a good package if he's gonna jump ship - that third-round pick is just the beginning 
. And Cunningham's always been someone who wears his heart on his sleeve...if he takes the job with the Falcons, I can already see him getting cozy with Matt and Ryan 
. Just hope he's doing what's best for himself this time around 
ian cunninhgum is such a big part of their team and it's gonna be hard for them to lose him ESPECIALLY WITH HIM LEAVING FOR THOSE BIG PAY OUTS 
AND WHAT IF HE GOES BACK TO ATLANTA? THAT WOULD BE A HUGE SWEEP FOR THE FALCONS!!! 
Instead, we're stuck with this endless cycle of interviews, offers, and drama. And what's up with Cunningham leaving the Bears for the Falcons? Does he really think Atlanta is gonna be a better fit or is he just looking for a change of scenery? I don't trust these big-market teams to make good decisions for their team's long-term success... 
, but at the same time, it's not like he hasn't earned some respect from his current team & other teams too 
. three rounds in two drafts for chicago? that's a pretty sweet deal! 
i think its awesome how his friendship with matt ryan is coming back to haunt (i mean, help) him lol, the falcons gotta make an offer or he'll just keep moving 
. He's been with the Bears for a while now, but it seems like he's not getting the recognition he deserves 
. If they can make him an offer, I think they'd be crazy not to take a chance on him 
. The fact that his friend Matt Ryan is coming back into the picture definitely adds some weight to their interest 
️!
. But if the Falcons are willing to make him an offer and bring back Matt Ryan, they might just get themselves a GM who's got that whole Bears' system down pat 
. Not sure what's gonna happen though, Cunningham's always been one to take his time...
, and now it seems like Ian Cunningham's future is hanging in the balance 
.
!
So I dug into Ian Cunningham's past and it looks like his team value is around $4M per year 
. But hey, Falcons are willing to give him a third-round pick in each of the next two drafts as part of the compensation package 
. Not bad! 
. I think it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out – will Cunningham take the high-risk, high-reward move with the Falcons or stick with a safer bet in Chicago? 
. Ian Cunningham's got connections for sure - that Matt Ryan thing is crazy 
. I've been followin this guy since he was with Philly, and he seemed like a solid GM 
The Bears just got hit hard by losing one of their top execs and now we're stuck thinking about how we lost our favorite football team 
And poor Ian just went through some tough times in Tennessee and it looks like he's still dealing with those vibes... 
. But at the same time, I'm gonna miss having him on the Bears team 
. He's always been super passionate about football and has such great connections with his teammates & coaches 
. Whoever ends up getting the job is gonna have big shoes to fill #CunninghamForGM #FalconsHireCrew
It's like trying to find the Loch Ness Monster – good luck with that! 
️. I wonder if Cunningham is thinking "Bear-ly worth it?" 
. As a parent, you want your kid to be happy and fulfilled, same thing here. The Falcons seem like they're offering him a chance to be part of something new and exciting 
. Either way, it's all about finding what makes him tick 
.