A look at 12 key Vikings players and where they stand in the team's future plans:
THE NUCLEUS
Adrian Peterson: Remember that $100 million extension A.P. got in early September? The Vikings now have arguably the best player in franchise history locked up through 2017. That's a pretty nice security blanket.
Jared Allen: Allen has matured into an emotional leader and continues to be a force at defensive end. He has two years left on his contract after this season and seems pretty content in the Twin Cities.
Christian Ponder: The Vikings truly believe they've found their quarterback of the future. The decision to draft Ponder with the 12th overall pick may be classified as a watershed moment for the organization.
HERE TO STAY
Percy Harvin: If only the Vikings could figure out a way to armor their 5-8, 184-pound battering ram in Kevlar. When healthy, Harvin plays with obvious ferocity. He's a favorite of the coaching staff and not due to become a free agent until after 2013.
Chad Greenway: The outside linebacker got a lucrative contract extension in September, including an $8.5 million signing bonus. He leads the team in tackles and the Vikings have faith he can be a playmaker for years.
Brian Robison: In the first year of a three-year deal, Robison has made the Vikings look brilliant in parting ways with Ray Edwards. With Robison and Allen, the team should be set at defensive end for the foreseeable future.
THE QUESTION MARKS
E.J. Henderson: After a gruesome leg injury at the end of '09, Henderson experienced a miraculous resurgence in 2010, becoming a Pro Bowl linebacker. But he's now in the final year of his contract, and chronic knee pain is limiting his range and overall effectiveness. A healthy return by Jasper Brinkley in 2012 could make Henderson expendable.
Kevin Williams: After making five consecutive Pro Bowls, the Vikings must determine how much juice the 31-year-old defensive tackle has left with critics wondering if he's fading quickly. He's under contract through 2014.
Steve Hutchinson: A seven-time Pro Bowler and a longtime Vikings captain, Hutchinson, 34, has one year left on his deal. He's a reliable guard making superstar money. And the Vikings may soon opt to make a youth movement on the left side of the line.
ON THE WAY OUT?
Chris Cook: The second-year cornerback was arrested Oct. 22 and formally charged three days later with felony domestic assault. The Vikings must put the character vs. talent weights on their in-house scale of justice. Coach Leslie Frazier promises a resolution Monday.
Visanthe Shiancoe: Shiancoe flourished in 2009 with 11 touchdown catches. The tight end has just four scores in the 24 games since. His contract is up at the end of this year. And with Kyle Rudolph on the rise, that may be that.
Cedric Griffin: Griffin is signed through 2014. But after tearing both his ACLs during a nine-month stretch of 2010 and suffering a dismal start to this season, the cornerback might soon lose his starting role in a mediocre secondary.
DAN WIEDERER
