We've had the discussion here many times of the Hall of Fame viability of several current and former Bears, especially as one of the best defenses in recent memory went without a Super Bowl win (those 2005 and 2006 squads...).
CBS Sports' Brad Gagnon decided to look at some of the Hall of Fame chances of 30 players over the age of 30 who haven't won the Super Bowl but might have a shot at the Hall of Fame, and as you might expect, there are a few current and former Bears on that list. He ranks them by their Hall of Fame chances, but also mentions their proximity to a Super Bowl ring, which would help their chances. You can read the entire article here.
The first current Bear checks in at number 8, on that list: Jared Allen.
Hall of Fame odds: Strong
He's a four-time first-team All-Pro with a 22-sack season and the ninth-highest career sack total in NFL history. Plus, he's only 32 and should add to that last total.
Championship odds: Slim
His sack totals have dropped three years in a row and Chicago isn't a major contender.
At number 10 is the first former Bear, Devin Hester.
Hall of Fame odds: Toss-up
Not only does he possess an NFL-record 20 return touchdowns, but the three-time first-team All-Pro has also caught over 250 passes for over 3,000 yards, has scored 17 offensive touchdowns and also has played defense.
Championship odds: Slim
His career appears to be winding down and the Falcons aren't exactly on the doorstep.
Number 16 finds former Bear, former Panther and current Packer, Julius Peppers.
Hall of Fame odds: Slim
He's an eight-time Pro Bowler but he's got fewer sacks and fewer first-team All-Pro nods than Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware, both of whom are younger.
Championship odds: Toss-up
One one hand, he plays for one of the NFL's best teams. On the other hand, he's 35 and is entering his 14th season.
At number 24 is former Bronco, former Dolphin, as-of-February former Bear, and current Jet Brandon Marshall.
Hall of Fame odds: Very slim
He's got just the one first-team All-Pro nod and numbers that have been sinking since 2012. Now he's on his fourth team in 10 seasons. None of it bodes well.
Championship odds: Slim
Because he just turned 31, time is still somewhat on Marshall's side. But the Jets aren't about to get him a ring.
Number 29 finds Lance Briggs.
Hall of Fame odds: Hanging by a thread
Only one All-Pro nod but seven Pro Bowl appearances in 12 seasons. He'd have to experience a late-career boom.
Championship odds: Hanging by a thread
He'll turn 35 this year and has experienced injury problems the last two seasons, which might explain why he still doesn't have a home for the 2015 campaign. Not looking good.
And number 30 is everybody's favorite lightning rod of a quarterback, Jay Cutler.
Hall of Fame odds: Almost nonexistent
Cutler also has numbers that compare well with Hall of Famers from previous generations, but there'll be too much of a backlog with this current group, almost regardless of what the 31-year-old does between now and the end of his career. He's only been to a single Pro Bowl.
Championship odds: Very slim
We're including Cutler because he's a very talented quarterback and he's still relatively young, but it's hard to see him winning anything in Chicago.
Personally, I'm a little surprised he didn't list Charles Tillman at 30 instead, and I'd go so far as to say Lance Briggs could stand to be rated a little higher.
What are your thoughts on these current and former Bears as potential Hall of Famers?