As the 2026 NFL offseason gets closer, many teams are thinking about new leaders for their front offices. NFL teams in the United States are not only looking for former players or traditional scouts anymore. They now want smart planners who understand football, data, and modern strategy.
The article “Hot Names to Watch As Potential Future NFL General Managers” talks about the next group of leaders who may soon become general managers. These people already work behind the scenes for teams like the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. They help build rosters and plan for the future, and many believe they will soon run entire teams.
The Gold Standard: Ian Cunningham (Chicago Bears)
When people talk about future NFL general managers, Ian Cunningham is usually the first name mentioned. He is the Assistant General Manager for the Chicago Bears and has been a top candidate for several years.
Cunningham learned from some of the best executives in the NFL. He worked with Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore and Howie Roseman in Philadelphia. Now in Chicago, he helps GM Ryan Poles rebuild the team. He works with scouting, analytics, and sports science. Because of his wide skills and leadership style, many teams see him as ready to become a GM right away.
The Analytics Visionary: Alec Halaby (Philadelphia Eagles)
In today’s NFL, data and analytics are very important. Alec Halaby, the Assistant GM of the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the leaders in this area. He is a Harvard graduate and has worked with the Eagles for many years.
Halaby helps the team use data to make smart draft and roster decisions. The Eagles focus on improving the team every year instead of rebuilding from scratch. Some team owners still prefer traditional scouts, but Halaby has shown that analytics can help teams win. He is one of the strongest modern GM candidates in the NFL.
The Scouting Stalwarts: Mike Borgonzi and Ed Dodds
Some teams want a general manager who is a strong talent evaluator. Two names stand out for their scouting ability.
Mike Borgonzi (Kansas City Chiefs) is the Assistant GM for one of the most successful teams in the league. He helps the Chiefs find good players in the draft and replace expensive veterans with younger talent. His work has helped keep the team competitive every year.
Ed Dodds (Indianapolis Colts) is known for being very private and very smart. He has turned down many job interviews because he is waiting for the right opportunity. People around the league respect his deep knowledge of players and team culture.
Emerging Names in the GM Pipeline
The 2026 hiring cycle is not only about famous names. There are also rising executives who are getting close to becoming general managers.
- Terrance Gray (Buffalo Bills) is the Director of Player Personnel. He has interviewed with several teams already. Working under Brandon Beane, he has learned how to balance the draft, trades, and free agency.
- Ray Agnew (Detroit Lions) is the Assistant GM for a team that has improved a lot in recent years. He brings experience as a former player and focuses on building strong relationships with coaches and players.
- Ryan Cowden (New England Patriots) is the Vice President of Player Personnel. He has helped the Patriots stay stable after major changes. His background as a talent evaluator makes him a strong future GM candidate.
What Makes a Successful NFL General Manager?
NFL teams in the United States look for three main qualities when hiring a general manager.
- Talent Identification means knowing which college players will succeed in the NFL.
- Cap Management means handling the salary cap wisely so the team can keep top players and sign new ones.
- Cultural Alignment means making sure the front office and coaches work well together and share the same goals.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches and teams make changes after the season, these names are the ones to watch. They are expected to shape the future of the NFL for many years to come.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.