The Deebo Samuel Era with the 49ers may have just come to an abrupt end.

Samuel will miss the 49ers’ season finale against the Cardinals on Sunday with injuries to his ribs and wrist. Which means he will finish the season with just 806 yards from scrimmage and 4 touchdowns. He didn’t come close to living up to his expensive contract.

“It’s been up and down throughout the year,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said about Samuel on Friday. “Even when he is good, he is still battling stuff through the season. Especially the way he plays and running with the ball and the physicality and everything, doing the kick returns. He’s hurting right now, but he’ll be alright a few weeks after the season.”

Samuel always seems to be playing through some injury. And this month, he will turn 29. And next season, he will be entering the final year of his contract, and he’ll be one of the most expensive players on the team.

I expect the 49ers will politely ask Samuel to take a massive pay cut this offseason — just like they asked Arik Armstead to take one last offseason. And just like Armstead, I expect Samuel will reject the pay cut and request his release. And I expect the 49ers will grant it to him just as they granted Armstead his release.

Keeping Samuel simply wouldn’t make sense, considering he would be their fourth-best wide receiver next season behind Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk.

So long, Deebo, and thanks for all the memories.