What backwards logic are you using for your first point? As long as you cut a guy, you don't have to worry about adapting schemes? Okay.
As to 2, our starting TE right now is Gragg. Is he not the worst skill player on the starting lineup? Let's say we don't land Clay, do we adapt to Gragg or just cut him so it's "problem solved."
As to 3, of course you pursue other, better fits. The real question is do you cut guys who can at least start before you get someone else?
Bonus question: If we couldn't afford Clay (zero cap) would we have cut Chandler?
2nd bonus question: Why are we cutting guys for cap room when we can just have Mario restructure?