Kirk Cousins, Redskins Contract Negotiations Reportedly Improving

The long, tenuous contract talks between the Washington Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins have improved as of late, ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday.

According to Schefter, there has been an "encouraging" tone, and increased involvement by owner Daniel Snyder has played a role.  

An anonymous source with knowledge of the negotiations told Schefter that things have been more "positive" between the two sides in recent months.

While the July 15 deadline to strike a long-term deal may not be met, Schefter reported that there is now hope a contract can be agreed upon at some point after the 2017 season if nothing comes to fruition prior to the deadline.

Cousins played under the franchise tag last season, and he will do so once again at a salary of nearly $24 million, per Spotrac.

The 28-year-old signal-caller led Washington to the playoffs in 2015, and he is coming off a 2016 season that saw him make his first Pro Bowl.

Cousins completed 67.0 percent of his passes last season and threw for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while rushing for four more scores.