ENGLEWOOD – John Elway likes to talk about the long-term vision, winning “not only now but from now on.”
Coming off a 500-yard performance and a shellacking of the Green Bay Packers, the boss of the unbeaten Denver Broncos made a bold move that shows he’s all in for 2015.
Denver’s general manager sent a pair of late-round draft picks to the San Francisco 49ers for two-time Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis on Monday.
Elway called the 31-year-old veteran “a big weapon for us,” one who’ll add experience, speed and leadership to an offense that can use more big-play ability.
Davis gives the Broncos (7-0) some firepower over the middle that Peyton Manning has been missing since losing Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme to free agency, and rookie Jeff Heuerman to a knee injury just a week after the draft.
The 10th-year pro has 55 career touchdown catches.
The 49ers will get sixth-round picks in 2016 and 2017 and the Broncos also receive a seventh-round pick in 2016. If Davis, who’s due about $2.3 million on the final year of his contract, can quickly adapt to Gary Kubiak’s offense and finish strong.
Davis has 18 catches for 194 yards this season and is coming off a season-high six receptions Sunday in a loss at St. Louis.
Davis had 441 catches for 5,640 yards and 55 TDs for the 49ers.
His seven playoff TDs are tied for first among tight ends in NFL history.
Davis had 13 TD receptions in 2009 and ‘13, making the Pro Bowl both seasons.
He’s the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and TDs by a tight end.
