SANTA CLARA -- A year ago, tight end Vernon Davis remained away from the 49ers’ entire offseason program, including the mandatory minicamp.
But as he enters the final year of his contract, Davis was in the building as the 49ers opened their voluntary offseason program this week.
“I’m here this year because I want to get better,” Davis said on Friday. “I want to win. I want to develop some chemistry amongst my teammates and get to know the guys. There are a lot of new guys here. And you just never know when this game is going to be over for you.
“Patrick Willis put everything in perspective for a lot of guys around here with him retiring. That just gave me some insight and put a good taste in my mouth, as far as my approach toward the game and giving this game all I can give it and taking it one day at a time and giving my best.”
Davis is coming off the worst season of his nine-year career. He caught just 26 passes in 14 games for 245 yards for a career-low 9.4-yard average. After catching two touchdown passes in the first quarter of the first game of the season, Davis did not score another touchdown all season.
Davis forfeited his $200,000 workout bonus last offseason as he angled for a new contract. Davis did not get a new contract, and he was fined $70,000 for his failure to attend the mandatory minicamp.
Even with all the changes to the coaching staff and throughout the roster, Davis said he said there is a “good vibe” around the organization.
“Guys don’t want to leave,” Davis said. “I’m here. I’m still here. Normally, I’d be out of here. I just feel some great energy and working with the guys. It’s just been great, just being back here. It’s been a little while since we’ve all been together. I’m just having a great time learning as much as I possibly can from the new staff and taking it all in.”
