The Bears’ offensive line has struggled to find an identity during quarterback Jay Cutler’s era with the team. Prior to the Phil Emery-led signing of Jermon Bushrod during the 2013 free agency period, the Bears’ offensive tackles were the equivalent of human turnstiles.

The Bushrod signing was an OK one, but it didn’t settle the position as much as his five year, $35.9 million contract suggested it would. Bushrod was released in February.

There’s no denying the talent level of right tackle Kyle Long. He’s arguably the best all-around football player on the Bears and will be a long-term cornerstone of the franchise. He’s not the perfect tackle, but he’s getting there. Depending on how the season unfolds, it’s not out of the question that Long could end up as the team’s starting left tackle at some point during the year.

The incumbent starter on the left side is third-year man Charles Leno, Jr. He received a vote of confidence from general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox during the 2016 Scouting Combine, suggesting that he’ll open the season as the starter.

Despite Pace and Fox’s encouraging words, Leno graded as the 55th-best offensive tackle in the NFL — or, one of its worst starters — and finished the season with a 39.7 grade. He was a limited prospect coming out of Boise State, and his upside might be maxed out as a swing tackle.

The Bears are dangerously thin behind Long and Leno; they’re without any true swing-guy who can step in at tackle in the event of an injury. Tayo Fabuluje was drafted with pick 183 in the 2015 draft; he’s just not very good. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up on the Bears practice squad this year.

The remaining tackles under contract for next year are Martin Wallace and Jason Weaver, neither of which should be considered viable options for playing time in 2016.

The interior of the offensive line has some promise, led by eight-year pro Matt Slauson. He finished 2015 with an 86.2 grade from PFF, good for top-10 distinction at either guard or center. Aside from Long, Slauson is the most valuable Bear up-front.

Second-year center Hroniss Grasu struggled at times last year, failing to display the functional strength needed to man the middle of the offensive line. That said, the former Oregon Duck has the make-up and experience needed to excel at center and should experience a marked improvement in play this year.

Restricted free agent Patrick Omameh was a pleasant surprise in 2015, performing admirably over the 679 snaps he played. Graded as the No. 28 guard in the NFL by PFF, his play warrants a return to the starting lineup in 2016.

The 2016 free agent class will provide Ryan Pace with the opportunity to land viable starting-quality linemen for the roster. Unlike last year’s additions of Vladimir Ducasse and Will Montgomery, the Bears are more likely to add potential multi-year contributors.

Here is a list of five offensive linemen who could potentially be free agent targets of the Chicago Bears:

Kelechi Osemele, Ravens

Osemele is the prize of the 2016 free agent class. He would make an ideal signing for the Bears because of his diverse skill-set. While he appears better suited as a guard, he has proven to be a quality offensive tackle as well. If Leno proves worthy of starting at left tackle, the duo of Osemele and Slauson at guard would be nothing short of terrifying.

Mitchell Schwartz, Browns

At only 26 years old, Schwartz presents as a quality player with several years of service left in the tank. More of a true tackle, the addition of Schwartz would all but confirm that Leno’s role will be as a quality reserve.

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Alex Mack, Browns

Another Cleveland Brown? Yes, another Cleveland Brown. Mack and the Browns are parting ways, leaving the Bears with an opportunity to make a huge splash at center if they aren’t sold on Grasu taking a significant step in his development. Even if they think Grasu can become a good player, Mack is an elite starter who might just be too good to pass up.

Russell Okung, Seahawks

When healthy, Okung is one of the better offensive tackles in the NFL. The problem is that he’s a major injury risk, having never played a full 16 games in his career. He suited-up for 13 games last year and finished with a 72.1 grade from PFF. At only 28 years old, there’s still time for him to string a few healthy seasons together. It wouldn’t shock me if Pace takes a long, long look at him.

Donald Penn, Raiders

Penn has been one of Oakland’s steadiest performers along the offensive line, ranking just outside the top-10 players at his position last year. He’s a bit long in the tooth — 32 years old — which will probably keep him off the radar of what the Bears are looking for. That said, keeping Jay Cutler upright should be the team’s top priority, and Penn represents a good short-term fix to accomplish that goal. He can likely be had for a two or three-year deal.