The Facts: 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 Redskins and Cousins, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Diehards Line:Schefter went on to note 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 since Washington first used the franchise tag on the starting quarterback, Schefter reports. Now there is a belief that even if a deal doesn't get completed before the NFL deadline for franchise players next month -- and it still will be challenging, even with the thawing between the two sides -- that one could be struck after next season, keeping Cousins in Washington long term. Last offseason, the two sides never came close to a deal. This offseason, the Redskins appear more open to recognizing Cousins' value, especially when he is scheduled to play the 2017 season on a franchise tag worth about $24 million. ... Stay tuned.