Matt Ryan made his first big call as Falcons president. Then came the budget meeting

The Atlanta Falcons have hired Ian Cunningham as general manager, bringing the Roswell native back to the city where he grew up watching the franchise’s rise in the late 1990s. Cunningham arrives after spending nearly two decades in front offices with the Ravens, Eagles, and Bears—organizations with track records of sustained success.

A front office veteran returns home

Cunningham grew up in Roswell during the Falcons’ run to Super Bowl XXXIII. His professional experience includes roles with three franchises known for building competitive rosters through the draft and free agency. That background will be tested immediately in Atlanta, where the roster and cap situation present limitations.

Matt Ryan’s role in the hire

Matt Ryan, now serving as the Falcons’ president of football operations, played a significant role in Cunningham’s hiring. The two developed a relationship during the interview process, and Ryan’s involvement signals alignment between football operations leadership. Ryan’s experience as a player who competed for championships in Atlanta provides perspective on what the organization needs to return to contention.

The constraints facing Cunningham

Cunningham inherits a situation with clear obstacles. The Falcons do not have a first-round pick in 2026 and are working with approximately $17 million in salary cap space. The expected release of Kirk Cousins would create additional flexibility, but Cunningham will need to build through mid-round draft selections and calculated free agent additions. His experience navigating similar constraints in Philadelphia and Baltimore will be relevant.

What comes next for Atlanta

Cunningham’s hiring pairs him with Ryan atop the Falcons’ football operations structure. The organization faces a rebuild that requires identifying talent without premium draft capital and managing a tight salary cap. Cunningham’s track record suggests familiarity with that process, though executing it in Atlanta will determine whether the hire achieves its intended outcome.