The Vikings have 10 players who can become unrestricted free agents in March. It’s a certainty that none of them is bigger, in a literal sense, than right tackle Phil Loadholt. But in a figurative sense, Loadholt’s contract status also looms large over the Vikings’ offseason.

He started all 16 games for the third consecutive season, and was the 20th-most efficient pass blocking tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. The website, which breaks down film of each NFL game, charged Loadholt with allowing just four sacks and none after Week 9, though Loadholt was responsible for 11 penalties this season.

Running back Adrian Peterson, for one, said he would talk to general manager Rick Spielman and the team’s other decision-makers about the importance of re-signing Loadholt.

“I’ll probably talk to ’em, just to get that guy in,” Peterson said. “He’s just been improving each year. I’m going to keep my arms around him this offseason as well, just to make sure he’s staying on top of this game and he’s working out and he’s doing the necessary things to make someone want to bring you back as well. So I’ll have my toe in somewhere.”

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