Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Violence widens ahead of Greek austerity vote

49ers reportedly make Davis highest-paid TE

Rookie’s deal worth 5-years at $23 million, more than Shockey, Gates

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.

© 2012 PA SportsTicker

advertisement
More news
Image: Gerald Sensabaugh, Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins, DeSean Jackson
AP
Offseason needs for NFC teams

Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.

Image: Wild Card Playoffs - Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos
Getty Images
Wesseling: Offseason priorities for AFC teams

Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Super Bowl XLVI
  Super Bowl XLVI shots
See the best moments before, during and after the Giants' win over the Patriots

more photos

Slideshow
Image:
  Sideline support
Check out some of the NFL cheerleaders from across the league.

NBCSports.com