Cunningham, 40, brings a wide-ranging NFL front-office résumé. He began with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, climbing from a player personnel assistant to area scout roles before expanding responsibilities. He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2021) and has been lauded on The Athletic’s “50 Under 40” list, with prior consideration for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ GM job in 2024. His track record includes Super Bowl experience with both the Ravens (2013) and the Eagles (2018).
In Chicago, Cunningham played a central role across the Bears’ organization, including the decision to hire Ben Johnson as head coach and the drafting of quarterback Caleb Williams. Now he will report directly to Matt Ryan, who was named Falcons president of football operations earlier in January, with both men stressing clear autonomy for the general manager and head coach.
The hire also reflects a notable cross-franchise collaboration. Bears GM Ryan Poles, a Boston College alumnus who played with Falcons president Matt Ryan, helped guide Atlanta’s GM search and is described as Cunningham’s close ally, signaling a collaborative approach between close confidants from opposite sides of the league.
NFL reporting on compensatory picks notes that Chicago would not receive two third-round picks unless Cunningham became the primary decision-maker for Atlanta. Because the Falcons designated Matt Ryan as president of football operations, Cunningham’s departure did not trigger those compensatory selections.
The decision comes after Atlanta’s organizational overhaul earlier this month, including the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot. With Stefanski’s arrival and Cunningham atop the front office, the Falcons aim to reset a franchise that has not posted a playoff appearance since 2017.
Cunningham’s background in analytics, salary-cap management, and long-term roster-building, shaped by mentors like Howie Roseman and Ozzie Newsome, positions Atlanta to pursue a data-driven rebuild. The 2026 season will reveal how this leadership combination translates into on-field success for the Falcons.
