Report: Cousins' contract talks with Redskins 'more positive lately'

The long-term contract negotiations between the Washington Redskins and franchise-tagged quarterback Kirk Cousins have taken on an "improved, encouraging tone," reports ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing league sources.

While that doesn't ensure a deal will get done by the July 15 deadline, Redskins owner Dan Snyder has reportedly gotten involved in talks and made it clear how badly Washington wants to re-sign its starting quarterback.

"There's no doubt it's been more positive lately," said a source familiar with the talks. "Everything has been much more positive in the past several months."

Redskins president Bruce Allen and Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, reportedly met face to face at last month's owner's meeting for the first time since the team used the tag on the pivot for the second straight season.

If no deal can be reached by July 15, Cousins will earn nearly $24 million in 2017.