The trade speculation surrounding the Chicago Bears and their rumored pursuit of Pro Bowl defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson continues. Recent developments have shed some light on the teams involved. Most believe the Bears and Oakland Raiders were the two teams to watch. It’s no coincidence since John Fox (head coach in Chicago) and Jack Del Rio (head coach in Oakland) have worked together and share similar defensive philosophies.

However, word is passing around that of the two, there is now a clear front runner.

https://twitter.com/DMooreNFL/status/717334630819622912

Biggest factors are compensation for #Jets & also for the #Bears to negotiate a long term extension w/ DL Wilkerson.https://t.co/SwQVW9gBEA — Doug Moore (@DMooreNFL) April 5, 2016

It shouldn’t be a surprise the Bears have emerged as the favorite, for a number of reasons. They run a 3-4 defensive scheme unlike the Raiders, the same type that Wilkerson thrived in for the Jets. Also there is the matter of draft picks. Chicago has higher positioning than Oakland in every round and thus more valuable slots. Perhaps the most telling part though came recently when the Raiders reached an agreement to re-sign Aldon Smith.

Aldon Smith's Two-Year Deal With #Raiders Can Be Worth Up To $19.5M Based On Incentives, Per @MikeGarafolohttps://t.co/0fjWne7hSa — NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) April 4, 2016

Though they still might be in play, chances are Oakland is done making big financial commitments to pass rushers. After all they did sign linebacker Bruce Irvin earlier in free agency before coming to terms with Smith. Besides, they may feel they got a bargain by comparison. Smith, who returns in November will cost less than $10 million per year even at most. Wilkerson would’ve demanded upwards of $14-16 million.

Make no mistake. This will be a sticking point for GM Ryan Pace. He’s notorious for not wanting to overspend on players, so Wilkerson would have to be willing to bend a little on his demands in order for the two sides to reach any sort of common ground. Still, it only increases the excitement to know the Bears are that much closer to landing a legitimate star for their defense.

Stay tuned.