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.