Terence Newman is primed to become the oldest defensive player in the NFL.

A source close to Newman said the cornerback, who turns 38 in September, wants to play another season and wants to re-sign with the Vikings. Newman in recent years has contemplated retirement and declined to comment last December on his intentions.

All indications are the Vikings want Newman back. While it’s possible he could cede his starting spot to second-year man Trae Waynes, he would continue to provide the team a valuable veteran influence.

“I think Terence still wants to play,” general manager Rick Spielman said two weeks ago.

Spielman emphasized then he still considers the 13-year veteran a cornerback. Newman started a game late last season at safety when Minnesota had injuries, and there has been speculation he could finish his career at that position.

Newman last season was the NFL’s second-oldest defensive player behind Oakland safety Charles Woodson, who then retired at 39. After Woodson announced he would leave the game, Newman declined last December to speculate on whether he might play another season.

“We’ll talk about that once the season is over,” Newman said.

Newman did not make himself available for interviews the day after Minnesota’s season ended with a 10-9 playoff loss to Seattle in January. He did not return a message earlier this week inquiring about his status.

Newman signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal last March to be reunited with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. When Zimmer was a defensive coordinator, Newman had played under him for four seasons in Dallas and for two in Cincinnati.

Newman’s status with the Vikings should be known soon as free agency gets underway next week.