Here is the eighth in an 18-part series examining the Chicago Bears' unrestricted free agents.

Name: Marc Mariani

Position: Wide receiver/return man

Age: 28

NFL experience: Six years

2015 salary: $660,000

2015 key statistics: 22 receptions for 300 yards; 29 punt returns for 192 yards and 16 kickoff returns for 418 yards.

Probability to return: Moderate

Outlook: Mariani plays with maximum effort. He leaves it all on the field. You have to give Mariani credit for finishing the year on a high note after special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers wanted to bench him outright. Mariani even became a fairly reliable target for quarterback Jay Cutler in the passing game. The mere fact Mariani lasted this long in the NFL is a true testament to his character, work ethic and intelligence. Guys like Mariani are not first-round draft picks. They receive no preferential treatment. They have to fight for everything. That being said, Mariani is on the bubble. Deonte Thompson has already supplanted Mariani on kickoff return. Maybe the Bears feel they can do better. But based on Mariani’s 2015 season; it would be a surprise if he’s not playing somewhere in the NFL next year.