When center Joe Berger was a free agent last spring and seeking starter’s money, the Vikings balked. Now, Berger is not only starting, he has a shot to make the Pro Bowl.

Running back Adrian Peterson seems a lock to be chosen for the seventh time when Pro Bowl selections are announced Tuesday, and he’d like Berger to join him in Hawaii for the Jan. 31 game.

“I think he is (a Pro Bowler),” Peterson said. “Just with what he has done coming in and filling the spot and helping glue everything together up front.”

Berger was projected to be a reserve before moving into the starting lineup after John Sullivan suffered a season-ending back injury in August. On Monday, the 11-year veteran was the NFL’s top-rated center by Pro Football Focus.

Other strong Vikings Pro Bowl candidates are Anthony Barr, ranked No. 1 by Pro Football Focus among outside linebackers in a 4-3 scheme; Harrison Smith, the third-ranked safety; and Linval Joseph, rated fifth among defensive tackles in the 4-3.

Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson could be a Pro Bowl kickoff returner for the second time in three years.

Berger, who started nine games at right guard last season, signed a two-year, $2.155 million deal with $130,000 guaranteed and $800,000 in possible incentives. The Vikings expected the versatile lineman to help fill in for injured players at multiple positions; when Sullivan went down, he became the No. 1 center.

Now he has a shot at the Pro Bowl.

“I guess if it happens, obviously it’s great, but I’m one of those guys that comes in and does my job,” Berger said. “If I’m doing well enough that people think (the Pro Bowl is) where I belong, that’s fine. If not, I’m coming in to work and I’m working.”

Pro Bowl players are selected by voting from fans, coaches and players, each segment accounting for one-third of the decision.

Peterson was chosen for the Pro Bowl in six of his previous eight seasons, missing when he was injured in 2011 and when he sat out the final 15 games last year because of a child-abuse incident. He said it would be a thrill to be named to the game.

“It does still excite me because it just lets you know that if you work hard to come out and be the best at what you do, making the Pro Bowl tells you that you’re doing it,” said Peterson, the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,314 yards

The Vikings went 7-9 last season and didn’t have a single Pro Bowl representative for the first time since 1983. Now, they’re 9-5 and should have multiple players chosen for the game.

“I’m a team guy,” said Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. “If (players) get voted in, that’s great, I hope they do. And if they don’t, we’ve got to play better.”

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.