The Jets are not “actively pursuing” a trade partner for Muhammad Wilkerson, but with no long-term deal in sight, it’s believed by many that the Pro Bowl interior lineman is very much available for the right price.

The Raiders, of course, have been linked to Wilkerson for over a year and according to CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora, the Raiders were prepared to pounce on Wilkerson had he entered free agency.

But now that he’s slated to return to New York on the franchise tag, would the Raiders consider a trade for Wilkerson?

That’s an idea La Canfora has been pushing for several months including a recent column imploring Raiders’ GM Reggie McKenzie to make a move Wilkerson.

La Canfora, who has long been a mouthpiece for Wilkerson’s agent, said Wilkerson would “leap at the opportunity” to join the Raiders – a team La Canfora says is very much interested in acquiring Wilkerson.

Oakland can certainly afford Wilkerson in terms of salary cap and they’d likely be willing to pay him, but the deal breaker would (or maybe already has) come in the form of compensation. McKenzie holds draft picks in high regard and the Jets are surely seeking a king’s ransom for Wilkerson.

However his situation plays out, it’s a safe assumption that Wilkerson’s message is out there. He has been frustrated with the Jets for a while and likes what he sees in Oakland – a team on the rise that can afford to pay him. And he’s ready to be paid.

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