Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears receive bad news with 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 9:26 PM ET

The Chicago Bears saw assistant general manager Ian Cunningham leave and take the general manager job in Atlanta. With Cunningham moving on, the hope was that Chicago would receive two third-round picks due to the Rooney Rule. However, early indications were a no on that as Matt Ryan’s job title technically puts him as the man in charge in Atlanta.

Now, on Monday a decision was made on the compensatory picks and it’s not great news for the Bears.

NFL doesn’t award Chicago Bears comp picks in 2026 NFL Draft

While there was some hope that Chicago could still get the comp picks, the NFL announced the 33 picks on Monday and zero went to the Bears. The league opted NOT to give the Bears the comp picks, leaving many frustrated.

With Ryan holding the primary football maker title in his contract, it means that Cunningham is just the general manager and second in charge. It’s a bit frustrating due to how the rule is structured and now, Chicago misses out due to a technicality.

NFL announced 33 compensatory picks for the 2026 draft. The #Bears were not awarded one. That doesn’t come as a surprise based on conversations last month at the combine.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 9, 2026

Chicago did exhaust options, however.

Ryan Poles was vocal at the NFL Scouting Combine, pleading his case through his public interview. He had some help from Cunningham himself who admitted the Bears should get the picks.

The Bears even went through back channels to state their case but in the end, the NFL had the final ruling.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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