The Chicago Bears believe they deserve compensatory picks after Ian Cunningham's departure, and the organization should do everything possible to receive the draft capital.
The Chicago Bears are not going down without a fight.
In early March, the NFL awarded compensatory picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, and of the 33 pick handed out, the Bears received none.
The league didn't view former Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham's departure to the Atlanta Falcons to become their GM as a qualified move to receive two third-round compensatory draft picks, which is odd because it was, in fact, a promotion.
Even though Cunningham is a minority employee who took a higher-up position with a new team, he is not the primary football executive in Atlanta. That belongs to Matt Ryan -- the team's president of football.
But it's Cunningham who will handle the daily football activities and scouting. Something clearly isn't adding up.
Despite the outcome appearing finalized, the Bears provided some updates about the situation at the NFL's Annual League Meeting this week.
Bears president Kevin Warren and chairman George McCaskey spoke to reporters on April 1, and the Bears' brass said the team is appealing the NFL's decision.
ESPN's Courtney Cronin mentioned that McCaskey, Warren and general manager Ryan Poles "visited with commissioner Roger Goodell in New York City and stated the team's case" to receive compensatory picks.
The Bears have every right to continue conversations with the league because the NFL is wrong in this situation. Chicago helped develop Cunningham so he could earn the position he is in today. The rules that the NFL set were met. Compensatory picks should be delivered.
Warren shared what the Bears are trying to accomplish by having conversation with the league.
"I wouldn't say change their mind," Warren said. "I think we're just trying to follow up with them, just normal protocol within the NFL to send in a response to say that we feel that we deserve the compensatory picks. And we understand all the different issues that are going on within the league, and I'm sure ultimately we will hear something back here sooner than later."
Obviously Warren and the Bears would be doing themselves a disservice if they went guns blazing and demanding Goodell should award the team their draft picks, but saying they're just following up feels a little flat for this situation.
However, the Bears going to New York and speaking in person does show how strongly the organization feels about how it handled this process.
The NFL could stick with their initial decision because it was their initial decision. Nobody wants to be proven wrong, and that can easily apply to the multibillion-dollar company.
As Warren mentioned, word from the league should come down soon. For Bears fans, this continued push is a clear positive. This draft is massive for Poles as he looks to keep the momentum going for a team fresh off an 11-win season.
To have one more opportunity in the third round to go along with picks 25, 57, 60 and 89, only increases the chances of landing a difference maker for this team.
The Bears believe those picks are a priority, not a preference.