ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Raiders are closing in on acquiring Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb.

McNabbSeveral reports in the past few days have indicated the Raiders are now the front-runners to land the 33-year-old quarterback.

Schefter reports that the pieces are in place for Oakland and Philadelphia to make a deal and that some league sources believe a trade could be consummated soon.

Schefter said the keys to a potential trade are that Oakland has the compensation the Eagles are looking for in place (probably the No. 39 overall pick) and are not worried that McNabb is owed a huge bonus next month and that he is entering the final year of his deal. Understandably, these are sticking points for other teams.

McNabb is reportedly reluctant to go to Oakland. But if the Raiders make it worth Philadelphia’s while, McNabb may have no choice.

There are major risks here for Oakland, but there is no question McNabb would give the Raiders a legitimate quarterback, at least for a year. Schefter mentioned an added twist: McNabb and new Oakland offensive coordinator Hue Jackson are distant cousins.

We will have more on this story if it heats up. Stay close. It seems like McNabb could actually be wearing the Silver and Black soon.