Age and asking price are two elements that will inhibit Jared Allen and the Vikings from working together beyond this season.
But the Vikings defensive end said now is not the time to be stressing about contracts and a future beyond Sunday's home game against Carolina.
"Honestly, I'm not even worried about that," Allen said Thursday, a day after the team's other starting defensive end, Brian Robison, signed a four-year, $28 million extension.
"I'm in a situation where I've been blessed to have been taken care of and the Lord's been good to me. And that's where I leave it. I leave it in the Lord's hands. Where I'm going to be at is totally up to Him, and I'm receptive to go where He wants me."
Allen is making $14.3 million in the final year of the six-year deal he signed after being acquired in a trade with Kansas City in 2008. He has exceeded high expectations, having never missed a game while notching 81 ½ sacks, four Pro Bowl nods, three first-team All-Pro selections, one league sack title and the franchise season record for sacks (22).
But Allen also will turn 32 in May. He said the two sides aren't negotiating currently.
As for Robison's deal, Allen said: "Good for him. I'm happy. I hope everybody in the league gets paid.
"Let's be honest, this is a business and we are expendable. You just look at our team right now, guys are in and out. You look at the NFL, it's a revolving door. So any time anybody can get paid and provide for their family for a long time, I'm happy for them. And Brian's a good player and a friend of mine, a good teammate. So yeah, absolutely, I'm ecstatic for him. I wish he would have gotten more."