When San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke responded to reporters regarding impending free agents Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, the conversation quickly turned to tight end Vernon Davis.
Asked outright about keeping Davis, Baalke answered in the affirmative.
Elaborating further regarding Davis’ unproductive 2014 season, Baalke had this to say.
It was an off year. He realizes (that). The great thing about Vernon, he understands. He’s been in this business long enough and he’s worked hard enough, he understands where his level of play is and he still believes that he can have some great years ahead of him — as do we. And we look forward to having him a part of those.
Davis put up the worst season of his nine-year career last year. He tallied just 26 receptions for 245 yards and two scores. The veteran tight end is also set to earn nearly $5 million in the last year of his contract. Calling it an off year would be a major understatement.
While Baalke wouldn’t commit to San Francisco’s two key free agents, he did indicate that Patrick Willis would also return next season.
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