Remember earlier this month when Vernon Davis said he was not seeking a new contract from the San Francisco 49ers but would gladly take one if it was offered to him? He missed OTAs because he was simply “building (his) brand” and not looking for a new deal, right? Apparently not.
In a column he wrote for Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback, Davis finally admitted he wants more money.
“It’s all about getting paid what you deserve,” Davis wrote. “It’s not that complicated. I want the 49ers to win the Super Bowl, and I want to be on the field this summer working towards that goal, but I have to worry about my future first. Most of my teammates and many players in the NFL understand that. A few don’t.”
Davis acknowledged that he signed what was the largest contract ever given to a tight end with his five-year, $37 million extension in 2010. However, he said he is holding out because he feels he is playing at a higher level now than he was when he inked the deal. He then went on to discuss the financial problems many NFL players have had.
“The truth is, for many players, the size of the contract doesn’t matter because they’re going to blow the money anyway,” Davis said. “Financial literacy is the biggest problem I see in NFL locker rooms. Too many players spend their money on cars they don’t drive and homes they barely live in.
“I’ve had veterans on their second contract ask me for money. More often, it’s retired players who need the help, once the checks have stopped coming.”
Which brings us to the biggest cliche used by NFL players across America — “football is a business.” Davis wants more financial security than the two years remaining on his current deal. If the Niners value him enough that they can’t envision him not being a part of the team next season, they’ll give him the money. If not, Davis will have a choice between getting fined or showing up and honoring the contract.
