Well, the Chicago Bears tried, but they did not get the job done with the NFL to get more compensatory picks.
Former Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham was hired this offseason by the Atlanta Falcons as their general manager. Under the Rooney Rule, since Cunningham was a minority hire who was promoted, Chicago should have received two compensatory picks for the hire. The NFL has determined that the Falcons' president of football operations, Matt Ryan, is the top football decision-maker, so the Bears would not be getting their picks.
Chicago decided to fight back and appealed the decision, with the NFL giving its ruling. The league has decided to stick with its original decision.
"The matter is now closed following the club’s appeal. The NFL informed the Bears today they will not receive compensatory picks. The policy is designed to provide picks for the Primary Football Executive position. The League determined Mr. Cunningham did not fill that role with the Falcons as it is defined in League rules."
Bears not getting their compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham hire
Unfortunately, this was expected as the NFL has been firm on its decision throughout the offseason. It shouldn't sit well with any Bears fan, as no one believes the league is right about it.
Ryan has even publicly stated this offseason that Cunningham is making all the football decisions for the Falcons. By that definition alone, the Bears should be getting the picks, but the league doesn't agree.
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Chicago is going to have to stick with the seven picks they have coming up in the 2026 NFL Draft. There's nothing the Bears can do about it now, as they are kind of stuck with the decision and will have to move on from the league's decision.