The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed TE Vernon Davis to a five-year contract extension through the 2015 season. The 49ers originally selected Davis with the 6th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft.
In a little more than four months time, the San Francisco 49ers have locked up two of the best players in the NFL to long-term contract extensions. The one player is a preseason candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the other is arguably the best all-around player in the league at his position. Notably, both players were drafted by the 49ers. The 49ers have now locked up all five of its Pro Bowlers from 2009, through the 2012 season.
Davis (6-3, 250), garnered his first Pro Bowl selection in 2009, after tying the NFL record for touchdown receptions (13) in a single-season by a tight end (TE Antonio Gates, 2004). In 2009, he also became the first tight end in the Super Bowl era to lead the NFL, or tie for the league lead, in touchdown receptions. Davis set career-highs in 2009 with 78 receptions for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns. His yardage and touchdown totals were franchise records for a tight end. He also was selected as the recipient of the 49ers 2009 Len Eshmont Award, which is voted on by the players and is given to the player who best exemplifies inspirational and courageous play.
Selected as a team captain by Singletary in both 2009 and 2010, Davis has played in 56 career games (54 starts) and has registered 181 receptions for 2,097 yards and 22 touchdowns in his four-year career. In addition to being a threat in the passing game, Davis is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL.
The 26-year-old native of Washington, D.C., starred collegiately at Maryland, where he was a consensus first-team All-America and All-ACC selection. Davis became the first Maryland offensive player since 1955 to be named an Associated Press first-team All-American.
