The Chicago Bears may experience a lot of turnover in their organizational structure this coming offseason. Everybody talks about Matt Eberflus and the coaching staff. It may also involve the front office too. Assistant GM Ian Cunningham has played a big part in the rapid overhaul of the Bears’ roster. The transformation of the defense and the steady accumulation of young talent on offense is almost certain to have the attention of other organizations. Cunningham was already a hot name in potential GM circles before he arrived in Chicago. Two teams almost hired him this year.
It feels like a foregone conclusion that somebody will snag him in the upcoming cycle. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports believes one team is sure to give him a hard look next month. New Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris seems to have a plan that involves reaching back to his roots as an owner in Philadelphia. He also owns the 76ers. The Eagles are one of the premier organizations in the NFL, so he may have the idea of plucking somebody from that tree. Guess who is included in that group.
“Bears AGM Ian Cunningham, who last year turned down the Cardinals GM job, worked under Roseman for five years, most recently in 2021 as the director of player personnel. And Giants AGM Brandon Brown was with the Eagles for five seasons as well, leaving as the director of player personnel. Lastly, Steelers AGM Andy Weidl spent six years with the Eagles before going to Pittsburgh in 2023.”
Losing Ian Cunningham was always something the Bears expected.
GM Ryan Poles admitted he knew his time with his friend and partner would be short. He hoped to squeeze as much value out of their partnership as possible. All things considered, the Bears got what they wanted. The 2023 offseason may go down as one of the most productive in franchise history. They secured four outstanding veterans in D.J. Moore and Montez Sweat via trades while also landing T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds as free agents. They also drafted Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter, and Tyrique Stevenson. All have become immediate contributors.
If Ian Cunningham leaves, the Bears will receive two 3rd round compensatory picks as compensation since he’d be a minority hire. From there, Poles will have to find a replacement. He could promote from within, going with Jeff King or Trey Koziol, one of the co-directors of player personnel. Poles could also bring in an outsider. There are some prominent former GMs or soon-to-be former GMs that might be worth adding. Tom Telesco and Jason Licht are the ones to watch. Next month figures to be an eventful one.
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