Five Players the Chicago Bears Could Realistically Sign

We all know the Bears enter the offseason with some pretty gaping holes on both sides of the ball. Luckily, this year's free agent class is nice and deep. And after such a disappointing season, the McCaskey family is sure to open up the check book and pay top dollar for the best talent available, right?

In reality, while most fans would love see Brandon Marshall, Julius Peppers and Darren Sharper march onto Soldier Field next season, you're probably more likely to see Willie Gault, Richard Dent and Dave Duerson strap on pads before ownership throws down for an A-list free agent.

Here are five guys who would not only present major upgrades at positions of need—but they're also players we might actually be able to afford.

Jerious Norwood

No matter who the offensive coordinator turns out to be, one thing you're going to hear over and over this offseason is the need for balance on offense. Obviously, Matt Forte's 3.6 YPC aren't going to make anyone fear the running game.

The Mississippi Missile is one of the league's best swing backs in that super-hyped "change of pace" role which most teams covet in their No. 2 back. He would provide a much-needed home run threat to help keep defenses honest, and he would immediately become the Bears best outside runner. His signing could also put some heat on Forte to produce sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, the only reason he's even in this conversation is due to the injury that kept him out of a large chunk of the '09 season. The Falcons should still retain him, but Jason Snelling may have shown enough promise in relief of Norwood and the injured Michael Turner to warrant consideration as Atlanta's primary backup.

Alex Barron

Assuming Orlando Pace retires, Chicago has an immediate need at right tackle. Aside from Chris Williams and backup Kevin Shaffer, the cupboard is laughably bare. As a Montana alum, I would love to see Cody Balogh get some run, but I understand that is unlikely.

A former first round pick for the Rams, Alex Barron has often been criticized for drawing a more than healthy number of penalties. He also has a reputation for taking plays off, although I think that is an affliction common to many St. Louis players. Still, at 6'7", 302 pounds, he is an extremely athletic tackle with both experience and upside.

Obviously, Lovie Smith is not shy about digging through St. Louis' leftovers. Barron is young, athletically gifted, and he helped Steven Jackson rush for over 1,000 yards in every season of his career. Oh, and Barron's coach his rookie season? Mike Martz.

Kyle Vanden Bosch

I actually expect Chicago to resign Adawale Ogunleye, simply because he's worth more to the Bears than any other team will be willing to offer. Between Wale, Alex Brown, and Gaines Adams, there is enough talent at defensive end for the Bears not to hit the panic button quite yet.

On the other hand, Alex Brown's 7.5 sacks were a team high. That level of production simply isn't enough at a position so key to the Tampa-2 defense. Kyle Vanden Bosch isn't the same player who recorded 12 sacks in 2007, but he could still be useful as a situational pass-rusher.

He seems to be on the outs in Tennessee, and while he probably has enough left in the tank to land a starting job somewhere, is anyone going to give him starter money? He's basically a hired gun at this point, and Chicago is as good a fit as any.

Ken Lucas

Although he led the team in interceptions, Zack Bowman was often targeted by opposing quarterbacks due to his soft play in coverage. Meanwhile, Charles "Peanut" Tillman had played brilliantly until a season-ending injury in Week 16's win over Minnesota.

Tillman should recover after missing yet another offseason and Bowman's playmaking ability will have earned him a starting spot next year, but once again depth is major issue. Lucas' tackling took a hit this year, but he is an experienced corner who could provide valuable insurance if Tillman is unable to go.

Ken Lucas was actually brought in for a visit this past offseason before signing with Seattle, so he is certainly on Chicago's radar. How much money will be allocated for the secondary after resigning Danieal Manning is yet to be seen.

Malcom Floyd

Jay Cutler likes big receivers. He turned Brandon Marshall into a bonafide diva and made Devin Aromashodu the most mispronounced name on Sportcenter since Nnamdi Asomugha. He likes to throw high and to the back shoulder, then let the receiver do the rest. And it's something he can't do with the likes of Hester, Bennett and Knox.

Malcom Floyd is a 6'5", 225 pound stud who is almost an afterthought in San Diego's offense, but who could have an impact similar to teammate Vincent Jackson given the right circumstances. His combination of length, speed and hands are a matchup nightmare, highlighted by his 9 catch, 140 yard performance against Washington in the last game of the regular season.

Floyd is primed to break out as soon as this postseason, meaning his stock could soar come free agency. Still, San Diego's top priority this offseason will be resigning the aforementioned Jackson. Also, the market is saturated this year with names like Marshall, Jackson, Miles Austin, Braylon Edwards, Antonio Bryant, and Terrell Owens.

One thing is certain. The Bears offer a unique opportunity with a talented young QB, a system tailored to his abilities, and a gaping hole in the No. 1 receiver slot on the depth chart (sorry Devin). If I were Jerry Angelo, Malcom Floyd would be the first number I dialed once the clock strikes midnight.