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The Bears aren't in a great position to eat 17.5 million against the cap. With Kyle Long's retirement, they have about 13.6 in cap space.
They'd have to cut Leonard Floyd and one of Allen Robinson, Akiem Hicks, or Prince Amukamara to be serious. Cutting Floyd puts them at 26.6 and less Mack leaves them at 9.1, which largely would be at least half absorbed by the draft class if they get that sort of haul. They'd need space to address free agency and they have 21 FAs.
Cutting a 98 rec 1100+ yd receiver is not the best medicine, so I wouldn't cut Robinson. Hicks got hurt this year, but has been an 8 sack per year guy 3-4 DE in the previous two years. Not a great option either.
Amukamara can clear up 9 million but you're giving up a starting CB, but that would be their primary option. Probably drop Cordarrelle Patterson along with him to gain another 4.75. So really, that's your FA money, about 14 million. Now you have 3 more voids to fill because you lose Floyd, Amukamara, and Patterson.
Trading Mack is foolish IMO. They might not get alot in compensation, but they could probably get something for Floyd and Amukamara to up their draft capital. Send Patterson packing. Use about $30 of the $40 million in cap space and hit free agency and improve the core of the roster.
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