![\"Ian](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ian_cunningham_1-e1775314934597.jpg\")
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Ian Cunningham could end up as a GM target for Minnesota. <\/p>\n
After firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> will begin their search for a new general manager once the NFL Draft wraps up. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski could be the initial favorite, but another unique option has presented itself after a strange NFL ruling.\u00a0<\/p>\n Earlier this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> hired former Chicago Bears executive Ian Cunningham to be their next general manager\u2013or so it seemed. Being a minority hire, the NFL\u2019s Rooney Rule would have provided the Bears with a compensatory draft pick. But when that never triggered, it led to some confusion as to what Cunningham\u2019s actual role is with Atlanta.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe NFL informed the Bears today they will not receive compensatory picks,\u201d reported<\/a> Ian Rapaport. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Now it appears that, based on the NFL\u2019s odd ruling, the Vikings could turn to Cunningham to fill their open position.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n NBC\u2019s Mike Florio Floats the Idea that the Minnesota Vikings Could Hire Ian Cunningham<\/p>\n With Cunningham not officially working under the general manager tag, it leaves the door cracked open for other teams to interview him. So, could Minnesota theoretically throw their hat into the ring?<\/p>\n \u201cThe Vikings will be looking for a new general manager. If the job, as defined by the Vikings, makes the new GM the primary football executive, they could hire Cunningham,\u201d wrote<\/a> Florio.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t even have to go that far to become a potential mess for the league. The Vikings could, in theory, put in a request to interview Cunningham. And the Falcons, under the league\u2019s Rooney Rule reasoning, wouldn\u2019t be able to say no.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s certainly an odd situation, and one that could benefit the Vikings should they choose to pursue Cunningham, who has helped to build the Bears into an NFC contender. The odds that Minnesota tries to swipe away someone who was hired with another team just weeks ago are low, but it can\u2019t be ruled out completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Could Ian Cunningham Fit with the Vikings\u2019 General Manager Search Plans?<\/p>\n The Vikings are keeping their search for a general manager quiet, providing very few details<\/a> on their plans. From Brzezinski to former Vikings executive and current Denver Broncos<\/a> general manager George Patton, the rumors are plentiful, but Minnesota hasn\u2019t given any indication they are leaning one way or another. Brzezinski will be trusted with the Vikings\u2019 2026 draft, but whether or not ownership views him as a long term solution is unknown.<\/p>\n