The Broncos are engaged in trade talks that could lead to the departure of middle linebacker and five-time Pro Bowl pick Al Wilson, the player's agent confirmed Thursday.

"We're exploring a number of options for Al, including him playing as a Bronco, including him being traded," Peter Schaffer said. "And there are a number of teams that are extremely interested in Al playing for them this year and beyond."

NFL.com reported the trade was monetarily driven on the Broncos' end after a recent signing spree and the New York Giants are the front-runners for Wilson in a deal that perhaps could occur as soon as this weekend.

The New York Daily News reported the Giants were in the "initial stages of investigating" such a trade.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions also have discussed Wilson, but there might be more teams involved.

Wilson is scheduled to count $7.9 million on the salary cap next season, including a $5.2 million base salary and $600,000 workout bonus. He is signed through 2010.

"As with any deal with this type of player with this type of contract, there's a number of moving parts. . . . It could take an hour or three weeks," Schaffer said of the timing of any potential deal. "There's really no easy answer."

Broncos general manager Ted Sund- quist has made himself unavailable for comment during the offseason and coach Mike Shanahan doesn't speak publicly at this time of year except at official events, such as next week's owners' meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Schaffer, based in Denver, has helped facilitate trades dating to running back Jerome Bettis' departure from the St. Louis Rams to the Pittsburgh Steelers all the way to Ashley Lelie's exit from the Broncos in a three-way exchange last year. He was hired by Wilson this past week.

Wilson, who turns 30 in June, had a tough time physically last season with neck, back and thumb injuries that affected his play but he still ended up leading the team in tackles with 113.

He has been cleared for all physical activities going forward, Schaffer said.

The Broncos have in-house options to replace Wilson in the middle. D.J. Williams has gotten some experience there the past couple of seasons and the team has been trying to find ways to get him more snaps after he played only about 70 percent of the time last season. Veteran Nate Webster filled in for Wilson a few times and is listed as his primary backup.

Still, Wilson's leadership, his role as captain and community presence make it surprising he would potentially go elsewhere.

A possible contract restructure has not been discussed to keep him.

"I'm Trevor Pryce and Mike Anderson's agent, and Ashley's agent. I never thought any of those guys would go," Schaffer said. "But it's the National Football League and this is part of the business. Sometimes the flavor of the year changes. That's just the way it is."