Washington GM Scot McCloughan is optimistic Cousins and the team will agree to a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Washington GM Scot McCloughan is optimistic Cousins and the team will agree to a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline, CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

Analysis:

If the two parties don't reach an agreement by July 15, Cousins will play out 2016 at his franchise-tag salary of $19.953 million. Washington would then have to wait until the following offseason to offer him a new contract, with the asking price potentially much higher. There's no guarantee a deal gets done, as the team is understandably hesitant to give Cousins true franchise quarterback money after just one good season.