Vernon Davis signs $37M deal, now highest-paid TE

Vernon Davis(notes) on Saturday became the NFL's highest-paid tight end. The San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler signed a five-year, $37 million contract extension that includes $23 million in guaranteed money.
The deal is worth $3 million more than what the football jerseys
San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates(notes) will receive. Davis still has one year remaining on his rookie contract, meaning the extension will run through the 2015 season.
"Being the highest-paid tight end at my position says a lot, but when it comes down to it I'm not playing the game for money. It's about passion," Davis told reporters in a news conference Saturday. "I didn't let it get to me because the only thing I could focus on is football. One thing about me once the season starts, I'm 100 percent football and that's all."
Davis became a 49ers cornerstone last season with a team-high 78 catches for 965 yards. He also tied for the NFL lead with 13 touchdowns.
In extending Davis' contract, the 49ers have made deals with two of Dallas Cowboys jersey
their best players. All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis(notes) got a five-year extension in May.
"I found myself saying this earlier this spring I couldn't be happier for an individual to sign a contract extension and be with the 49ers for five more years, and that was Patrick Willis," coach Mike Singletary said in a conference call Saturday night from Seattle. "Now that Vernon has signed, you're talking about two of the finest players at their positions in the league. I'm very happy for Vernon because he deserves everything he gets."
Once known for scuffling with teammates, Davis has become a team leader under Singletary.
"All you have to do is look at the identity of the 49ers and Vernon fits it," Singletary said. "We're very fortunate to have him here. He's a great role model for the rest of our players."
Davis and second-year wide receiver Michael Crabtree(notes) got into a spat during training camp, after which Davis said he was simply displaying his leadership.
"It was a matter of being a team captain. All I was doing was taking care of Indianapolis Colts jersey
my responsibilities and doing my job," Davis said.