While it doesn't mean there will be a long-term deal by the July 15 deadline, there has been an improved, encouraging tone in the contract talks between the Washington Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins, league sources told ESPN.
One reason for the positive outlook is that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has gotten involved, making it known how much Washington wants to re-sign Cousins.
At last month's owners meetings in Chicago, Redskins president Bruce Allen and Cousins' agent Mike McCartney had their first face-to-face meeting in the two years that Washington has used the franchise tag on the starting quarterback, sources said.