"As he prepared for the New Year, tight end Vernon Davis said goodbye to his old friends, cutting them loose after seven years of dedicated service:

His dreadlocks are gone.

Davis snipped them off with a pair of scissors, then went to a barber to finish the job.

"I actually feel faster," Davis said, palming his sleek scalp.

Davis' new look got lots of attention in the 49ers' locker room Thursday as teammates stopped by to rub his smooth head. The dreadlocks had been around since Davis' college days at Maryland and had become a familiar sight on the highlights this season when he broke through for 72 catches and 876 yards.

Davis said he is considering donating the hair to charity. For now, the dreadlocks are safely under his bathroom sink.

Why change?

"I just wanted a new look," he said.

The 49ers hope there is no Samson effect. Davis heads into Sunday's season finale against the Rams needing one touchdown catch to tie Antonio Gates' single-season record for a tight end (13 in 2004)."