If they're counting Bushrod at his last salary against the cap (not sure which source citing what numbers include what), he was 6.75 Million against last years cap, so the salary you quote for him wouldn't be much change; in fact it might save 3-4 million if they work out a cap friendly long term deal backloaded. We'd still have to find another 5-6M even if we cut both Vilma and Smith outright. Still, those cuts aren't as weak in terms of relief as you expected.