Joe Berger won the starting job and in the process earned a one-year contract extension.

The Vikings announced the deal for Berger on Friday, two days before he'll start his 18th consecutive game at center. He went from key backup, also making nine spot starts at guard in 2014, to the anchor in the middle of the offensive line. This summer, Berger beat out center John Sullivan, who missed last season due to two back surgeries, to keep the starting job. Sullivan had started six consecutive seasons for the Vikings before his back injury.

He was due to be a free agent this upcoming spring, but the Vikings locked him up through the 2017 season. Berger was also set to earn a $985,000 base salary this season and it's possible he received a raise.

Berger, 34, is entering his 12th NFL season as the third-oldest player on the team behind 38-year-old cornerback Terence Newman and 36-year-old quarterback Shaun Hill.