"Firstly, it is worth pointing out that Cunningham was the first assistant GM in franchise history. For all the fair criticisms you can lob in Ryan Poles' general direction, the expansion of the front office and addition of an assistant GM who could serve as his right-hand man was a shrewd move - and one that was long overdue for a franchise that isn't known for building outward or up in terms of its organizational structure."
"Being GM Ryan Poles' right-hand man paid off when Cunningham saved the Bears from trading away a pick on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft. It is easy to imagine Poles and Cunningham building the type of trust over the years that would lead to the GM holding off on making a reactionary move when it wasn't necessary."
Ian Cunningham served as the Chicago Bears' first-ever assistant general manager, expanding the front office and acting as Ryan Poles' right-hand executive. He played a decisive role in the 2024 NFL Draft by convincing leadership not to trade away a pick on the first night. His promotion to Atlanta Falcons general manager represents a title and responsibility increase and leaves the Bears facing a succession decision. The Bears losing their No. 2 executive to a promotion raises questions about eligibility for compensatory draft-pick compensation and about maintaining organizational continuity after an 11-win season.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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