Compensatory pick hopes dashed, but another path to draft assets emerges for Chicago. A surprising quarterback trade could reshape the Bears' future.
The Chicago Bears' chances of getting compensation from the Ian Cunningham hiring went to zero on Friday night.
The NFL announced that the matter was closed after the Bears made numerous attempts to appeal the decision.
Let's take a look back at how this happened.
Cunningham initially worked for the Bears, joining the franchise when Ryan Poles became General Manager in 2022. Cunningham had just as much of a role in turning around the franchise as Poles did.
After spending a few seasons as the Bears' Assistant General Manager, Cunningham looked for other opportunities around the league.
He interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' President of Football position, but the job went to former quarterback Matt Ryan. Cunningham interviewed again with the Falcons for the GM opening and got it.
Normally, this should've meant the Bears would be granted compensatory picks in 2026 and 2027, since it was a minority hire and a lateral move. However, the NFL considered Ryan the Falcons' primary football executive and didn't award the team any picks.
Ryan even stated later that Cunningham would control free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, which made it seem as if the former Bears executive was really in charge, adding to fans' frustration.
While the NFL ended any hope Bears fans had, there is still another way the team can get an extra pick, at least for 2026.
That would be in trading quarterback Tyson Bagent. The signs have been there this offseason.
It started when Bagent began receiving interest from other teams, such as the Arizona Cardinals. Then, Poles even confirmed the rumors that the Bears were getting calls from around the league about Bagent.
The biggest indicator that Bagent's time with the Bears was potentially coming to a close was the contract Case Keenum received. Keenum didn't play in a single game for the Bears last season, but is now being paid backup quarterback money.
Keenum signed a two-year deal worth $5.5 million, which isn't the kind of money you'd pay an emergency quarterback. Bagent is making $10 million over two years.
Bagent proved he had what it takes to be a reliable backup quarterback during his rookie season. Justin Fields went down with an injury in 2023, and Bagent started the next four games.
The former undrafted free agent threw for 776 passing yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions in the four games he started, going 2-2. He even had a rushing touchdown in one of those games.
It may be a stretch, but if Bagent finds the right situation, he could definitely be worth at least a 2026 third-round pick. There are teams looking for a starting quarterback, and unfortunately, that's not something the Bears can offer Bagent with Caleb Williams as the franchise guy under center.
Plus, Keenum has a more important role with the Bears than people initially thought. That became clear at multiple points last season.
Keenum shared his veteran wisdom with Williams and was a great motivator on the sidelines. We saw just how vital that can be in the 24-20 comeback win over the New York Giants.
A clip was posted on social media of Keenum hyping up Williams and telling him he was going to lead the Bears to a win after they were down 20-10 in the fourth quarter.
It's evident the team is preparing for life without Bagent as the backup after the contract they offered to Keenum. If the Bears could get ample compensation for a Bagent trade, that would be the best possible outcome.