ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons introduced Ian Cunningham as their new general manager at a press conference held Tuesday morning at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Cunningham joined president of football Matt Ryan to address questions about the team’s future direction.
“The fruits of our labor is here in Kevin (Stefanski) and, now, Ian,” said Ryan.
Cunningham comes to Atlanta after serving four seasons as assistant general manager with the Chicago Bears, where he contributed to their NFC North title in 2025. He was highly recommended by executives from his previous organization.
“I wanted to be a part of this organization because of their process, their attention to detail, their intentionality behind everything,” Cunningham said.
He added: “I feel like myself, Matt (Ryan) and Kevin (Stefanski), we are cut from the same cloth.”
Ryan outlined why the Falcons selected Cunningham for the role, emphasizing his experience working under respected NFL executives. “He learned from incredible general managers during (his) stops, whether that be Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta in Baltimore, Howie Roseman in Philadelphia, Ryan Poles in Chicago. I think that was one of the biggest selling points for us on Ian,” Ryan explained. “It was his experience in all areas of scouting, too. He has touched it all. I think from a general manager position understanding what those positions go through, the expectations for them are, it was very important to us through the process.”
Cunningham acknowledged these influences: “Fortunately for me, I have been around some of the greats to ever do it,” he said. “If I can be half as good as them, that’s what I am striving for, trying to be as good as them.”
Ryan continued: “We were looking for somebody who was well-versed in terms of their experience, and has touched all of the different parts of scouting,” adding that familiarity with every department was essential given the scope of responsibilities.
Regarding quarterback Michael Penix Jr., both Cunningham and Ryan avoided making definitive statements about his status or potential competition at quarterback. Ryan stated: “Neither of us are the head coach of the football team. We can’t answer your question on that… Quarterback is obviously very important, and we are excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab… Certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
On roster construction philosophy, Cunningham said: “That’s what we are going to be,” referring to building a smart, tough and physical football team. He elaborated: “Smart, tough, physical. We are going to build through the trenches… Draft, develop and retain. That’s going to be our philosophy here too… You want to retain your own. So that’s what we are going to do.”
Addressing draft priorities given Atlanta’s current five picks for 2026 NFL Draft weekend: “I love picks man,” Cunningham said. “You use those as currency… It allows you more swings at the plate… That’s why we will value them.” He noted that he increased draft capital while in Chicago under similar circumstances.
Cunningham also discussed salary cap management plans: “I never want to mortgage the future for the now.” He explained further: “You don’t want to have too much dead money… We are going to be creative. We are going to be innovative in that area moving forward.”
He concluded by recognizing existing talent on Atlanta’s roster but stressed ongoing improvement efforts: “We have talent on this roster,” Cunningham concluded,”but it is going to be my job to continue to add competition to it…”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFL’s NFC South division and play home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The franchise began play as an expansion team in 1965 and has reached the Super Bowl twice—in 1998 and 2016. Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot.
