It appears that Vernon Davis may be the NFL’s highest-paid tight end before he even takes the field.

The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the signing of their top pick in the 2006 draft to a five-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but ESPN.com is reporting that the deal is worth more than $23 million. If that’s the case, then Davis’ contract may have surpassed those given to Pro Bowl tight ends Antonio Gates and Jeremy Shockey.

The sixth overall pick in the draft, Davis has the speed of a wide receiver and the size of a tight end. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at the scouting combine even though he weighs more than 250 pounds. The 6-3 Davis also has a 42-inch vertical leap.

The addition of Davis is a welcome addition for quarterback Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005 who struggled as a rookie.

Last season, the four tight ends on the San Francisco roster combined for just 20 catches.

At Maryland, Davis was used in a variety of positions — also lining up at fullback and splitting out wide. He had 51 catches for 871 yards and six touchdowns as a junior last season.

Davis should get plenty of opportunities to excel in San Francisco with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who loves to employ the tight end.

On Thursday, the Niners signed linebacker Manny Lawson, their second first-round pick.

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