49ers could face difficult roster decisions with five veteran players

It is one week before the start of the new league year, and this is when difficult decisions are being made around the NFL.Teams are doing belt-tightening, as some notable, high-priced players are being released or traded to create immediate and future salary-cap savings.The 49ers got moving on that front on Saturday with an agreement to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.It seems unlikely the 49ers are finished with roster moves with free agency just around the corner.The open-negotiating period for free agents opens on Monday at 9 a.m. PT. Unrestricted free agents are allowed to finalize deals with new teams beginning Wednesday, March 12, at 1 p.m.A year ago, the 49ers approached two starters about accepting pay cuts. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead declined and was released. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk agreed to a reduced contract and remained with the 49ers. He responded with another strong season. Juszczyk was selected to the Pro Bowl for the ninth consecutive season.General manager John Lynch last week spoke about getting younger and "recalibrating" the 49ers' payroll after spending an NFL-high cash over the...