Updated Feb. 3, 2026, 3:29 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons introduced Ian Cunningham as their new general manager on Tuesday. Cunningham fielded a variety of questions, from his NFL draft philosophy to his thoughts on salary cap management. These two areas will undoubtedly define Cunningham’s tenure in Atlanta.

Former Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot hit his share of home runs in the first round, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Jalon Walker, but he rarely found talent in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.

Fontenot’s two biggest moves were trading Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, and trading a future first-round pick for edge rusher James Pearce Jr. in 2025. Trading Ryan put the team in salary cap hell for a few seasons, while the Pearce trade worked out pretty well.

So, what are Cunningham’s views on the salary cap and NFL draft? Atlanta’s new general manager was asked about both during Tuesday’s press conference.

Falcons GM Ian Cunningham on salary cap management

“We’re always going to be thinking long-term,” Cunningham said of the team’s handling of the salary cap. “But like I said earlier, you’ve got to think about it in the now, and you’ve got to think about it in the future. You don’t want to have too much dead money. We’re gonna be creative and innovative in that area moving forward.”

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While most NFL general managers would say something similar about the balance between short-term moves and long-term roster construction, Cunningham seems to value draft picks slightly more than his predecessor.

Falcons GM Ian Cunningham on value of draft picks

“I love picks, man,” said Cunningham. “So you use those as currency. Either, you can use it as trading up. You can trade for proven players. It allows you more swings at the plate. So there’s different ways you can use them. But that’s why you value them. That’s why we will value them.”

The Falcons have five current picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but judging by Cunningham’s comments, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the team add a few more this offseason.

Watch Cunningham’s full press conference, as shared by the team’s YouTube channel below.