Ahead of the Chicago Bears making the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday, the organization reportedly locked in assistant general manager Ian Cunningham with a new deal.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Bears signed Cunningham to a contract extension, keeping him in place alongside GM Ryan Poles.

While the new contract gives Cunningham security, it doesn't guarantee he will remain in Chicago for long, as Schefter noted that he is expected to be one of the top general manager candidates across the league during the next hiring cycle.

Cunningham played collegiately at the University of Virginia and spent some time in the Kansas City Chiefs organization after going undrafted, but his true calling proved to be in the front office.

He was part of the Baltimore Ravens' front office from 2008 to 2016, primarily as a scout, and then served as director of college scouting, assistant director of player personnel and director of player personnel with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2017 to 2021.

Cunningham won a Super Bowl ring in each of his stops in Baltimore and Philly before joining the Bears as assistant GM in 2022.

He joined forces with Poles, who had been with the Chiefs organization from 2009 to 2021 in myriad roles, including executive director of player personnel.

Poles won a Super Bowl during his time in Kansas City, meaning there is plenty of championship experience in the Chicago front office between Poles and Cunningham.

The Bears have not reached the playoffs since 2020 and haven't won a playoff game since 2010, but Poles and Cunningham have quickly rebuilt the roster.

Their biggest move thus far came last year when they traded down from the No. 1 overall pick with the Carolina Panthers, who moved up to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.

The trade netted Chicago a No. 1 wide receiver in D.J. Moore and a ton of draft capital, including a selection that proved to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

In the wake of the Bears trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, it is widely expected that Chicago will use the top pick on USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

If that decision plays instant dividends, the Bears could be playoff contenders as soon as this season, and Cunningham could soon receive his first opportunity to be an NFL GM.