Percy Harvin and 10 Other NFL Players Due for Huge Paydays After 2012 Season

"You play to win the game!" Or you pay to get paid.

Let's be honest, NFL players are after more than just rings. They're after financial security and luxurious lives for themselves and their family.

There's nothing wrong with that; It's the American dream.

So click through to find out which players have a chance to cash a nice check after the 2012 season.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have no choice now. They must either pay Percy Harvin or be prepared for a severe and warranted backlash.

Christian Ponder has been steady at quarterback and Adrian Peterson has been a strong piston for the offensive engine. However, Harvin has provided the horsepower that makes the Vikings' offense run.

He's the most versatile player in the game today. 

Harvin leads the league in receptions (49) and is sixth in receiving yards (540). There has only been one touchdown through the air, but he's added one in the kick return game as well as another on the ground.

There were some murmurs that Harvin wasn't happy with his pay prior to 2012. Rest assured that he won't report to camp until the Vikings pony up some serious stacks.

Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins

In the surprise of the season, the Miami Dolphins are good. And so is their rookie quarterback.

The building block of success that nobody has mentioned is Jake Long.

Miami, as a team, has only given up a total of 11 sacks despite four of its six opponents ranking in the top ten in regards to sacks. As the left tackle, Long is obviously a large reason for the stellar protection.

Long has been one of the best tackles in the game since the Dolphins wisely took him with the first-overall pick five years ago. The Phins cannot afford to watch him leave and surely, they won't.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

For all the preseason buzz, one would have expected Joe Flacco to have a MVP season. That hasn't been the case.

The numbers indicate a quarterback who has been much more aggressive, but it hasn't translated to points.

His average per attempt has risen by about a yard and a half. Yet, he only has eight touchdowns in six games, which extrapolates out to just over 21 touchdowns for the season, not much better than his 20 last year.

The point remains that we have seen quite a bit of improvement from Flacco. When unleashed, he's shown that he can carry the offense. Even his poor games haven't been catastrophic as he has limited his interceptions to no more than one a game.

The Ravens are turning Flacco into a franchise quarterback. Such an action requires a monetary investment.

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

Some people laugh all the way to the bank. Victor Cruz will most definitely be hitting the salsa on his way to Chase.

Cruz busted out in 2011 with 82 receptions, 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. The more incredible number is his eye-popping 18.7 yards-per-catch average.

His explosiveness is undeniable, but his consistency is one of his best attributes. Despite the rash of injuries and defections, Cruz has carried the New York Giants receiving corps with 43 catches for 496 yards and six scores.

The Giants have skimped on paying Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. They were right on both counts.

Don't push your luck, though. The third time will certainly not be a charm.

Henry Melton, DT, Chicago Bears

By almost any statistic, it can be argued that the Chicago Bears have been the most dominant defense in the league. They don't allow anybody to score (14.2 points per game) and rank fourth in sacks.

A huge reason for all of that quarterback abuse has been the play of Henry Melton. 

The big man in the middle of the Bears' defense hasn't just taken up blockers and created space for others to operate, he's gotten in on the act himself. Through just five games, the defensive tackle already has 4.5 sacks, which is the best mark on the team.

Anytime you can out-sack Julius Peppers, you're having a nice season.

Do it from the tackle position? You're going to get paid.

Martellus Bennett, TE, New York Giants

The league has gone tight-end crazy. It all started years ago with athletic big men Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates and has continued with Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski.

Every team is looking for the next matchup-nightmare and Martellus Bennett has a chance to cash in on the craze.

The New York Giants snapped him up for the bargain price of $2.5 million. After hauling in three scoring passes thus far, he'll surely spark some interest with his 6'6", 265-pound frame.

Lastly, the 25-year-old is a true, tough football player. He played most of the game against the Cleveland Browns despite hyperextending his knee early in the first quarter.

Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins

Reggie Bush proclaimed that he wanted to be the Miami Dolphins' workhorse and the league leader in rushing. 

Through the first couple of weeks, he was on that pace until a knee injury slowed him down. Bush still has 584 yards of total offense and is the only home-run threat on the roster.

The Dolphins have been winning games and have a steady base to build on. They can't afford to lose Bush.

And after they pay him, Bush will be able to afford whatever he wants.

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

Wes Welker probably leads the league in stories written about him.

All offseason, speculation abounded about whether he'd sign his franchise tag offer or if he'd reach a long-term deal with the New England Patriots.

Then the season started and Welker spent an awful lot of time on the sidelines, prompting stories about the deterioration of the working relationship between the All-Pro slot receiver and his head coach.

After catching a whopping 48 out of 51 passes thrown his way, the only story is that he will certainly be paid this offseason. Whether it's a franchise-tag payday or the multiple-year deal he seeks, his bottom line will certainly increase.

Dennis Pitta, TE, Baltimore Ravens

It's not his fault that Joe Flacco isn't looking his way often enough. Right?

Dennis Pitta hasn't been involved too heavily in the Baltimore Ravens offense. However, he was featured against the Philadelphia Eagles and responded with eight catches.

Out of all the players on this list, he least warrants the big payday. He often fails to break tackles and isn't much of a vertical threat.

But he's a semi-talnted, young tight end that will be hitting the free agent market. Here's guessing someone will overpay based on need.

Louis Delmas, S, Detroit Lions

Louis Delmas has had some trouble staying on the field throughout his career. He has never played a full 16-game slate and always seems to be bothered by some ailment.

However, his leverage took a nice upturn when he made his 2012 debut against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

His Detroit Lions had only forced three turnovers through four games. Delmas recorded one interception of Michael Vick and his teammates added two more changes of possession.

Delmas is the heart and soul of Detroit's defense. Even his entrance onto the field is a source of pride demonstrates the energy he brings to the table.

He likely won't be going anywhere. And he won't be cheap.

Shaun Phillips, LB, San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are quietly flying under the radar. Everyone has dismissed their wins because of the competition and only remembers their loss to a formerly winless team.

People may want to take a second look.

The defense is for real. And their 31-year-old linebacker is having himself quite a season.

Coming into the Monday night matchup with the Denver Broncos, Shaun Phillips already had 4.5 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered one.

He may be getting up there in age, but there is certainly one more payday for Phillips.