"Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson have debated through the media about which running back is superior, but Peterson must agree with Johnson on one thing:

Johnson's payday is good for both of them.

Johnson signed a four-year, $53.5 million extension Thursday that includes $30 million guaranteed - opening the door for Peterson to make even more if the Vikings extend him beyond 2011.

In an interview last week, Peterson said he saw this coming with Johnson, who held out of camp before agreeing to terms.

"Hey, take care of him," said Peterson, who didn't play in Thursday night's preseason finale against Houston. "He deserves to be taken care of. Their owner is saying they are going to make him the highest-paid back. That has nothing to do with me as far as 'Aw, I feel bad.' No, you're going to have to pay the guy."

Peterson considers himself to be "in the driver's seat" while due $10.72 million in the last year of his rookie deal and, if slapped with the franchise tag, $11.8 million in 2012.

The Vikings, meanwhile, must decide whether they are willing to part with more than $23 million for two years of service or pony up - either now or after the season.

"My contract will come when it comes," Peterson said last week. "I'm focused on this year." "