Marc Bulger May Be Chicago Bears' Target As Jay Cutler's Backup

Marc Bulger was released by the St. Louis Rams in a not-so-surprising move. But will the Bears view him as valuable insurance in case of injury to Jay Cutler?

Bulger was going to make $8 million in 2010, so it was sensible for the Rams to let him go. 

But as a backup, he can be a reasonable alternative to the likes of Caleb Hanie and Brett Basanez.

And it may be good for Bulger, as well.

Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune raised the possibility, though there is a question of whether Bulger would accept a backup role.

He can go in without the burden of expectations and help rebuild his reputation. He is an accurate QB with a quick release and is battle tested, in the unlikely event that Cutler goes down.

Sure, Cutler is tough. But in Mike Martz's offense, with five- and seven-step drops and a poor offensive line, he might just get killed.

So in a season where Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo are trying to save their jobs, it might behoove them to have a contingency plan for Cutler.

Meanwhile, the Steelers and Arizona are said to have interest in Bulger. But he would be a backup in Pittsburgh, and with the Cardinals would have to compete with Derek Anderson and Matt Leinart.

So why not Chicago?