It is indeed time for Cutler and the Bears to part company. I think both parties likely share that sentiment. But, and this is a huge BUT, if the Bears were committing to a rookie QB who they intended to sit for half to a full season I don't see a lot of difference between Cutler and Hoyer or Barkley or pick your QB. That wouldn't be the end of world if it was obvious that the starter in 2018 was the guy they drafted in 2017. But I don't know that Cutler would be willing, that his ego would allow for this. I would guess he would rather be cut and take his chances elsewhere.
With the right FA and draft class, the argument could be made that 2017 is a year setting up a deep run in 2018. I am not advocating this but making an attempt to point out that retaining Cutler might not be the end of the world.