Overview
- Bears leadership said Wednesday they expect a decision soon after meeting commissioner Roger Goodell in New York to appeal the league’s denial.
- The NFL denied Chicago two third-round compensatory picks in its March announcement, citing Atlanta’s designation of president of football operations Matt Ryan as the team’s primary football executive.
- Falcons officials, including Ryan, have publicly said Ian Cunningham is functioning as the general manager, and Cunningham has voiced support for Chicago receiving the picks.
- The outcome could shift the 2026 draft order with the event weeks away, which adds urgency for teams planning trade values and roster needs tied to third-round capital.
- Under the Rooney Rule incentives, a team that loses a minority executive to a promotion normally receives third-round picks in the next two drafts, and league officials are weighing how a reversal or a firm denial might set precedent and affect future front-office titles.