Getty Images

We’re two months out from the deadline to do a long-term deal, and there’s no clear sign of progress. But it’s May, so why not be optimistic?

Washington General Manager Scot McCloughan expressed some confidence something would get done with franchise-tagged quarterback Kirk Cousins, which would keep him from playing out the year on a one-year, $19.9 million contract.

“It’s a big contract, and a position that’s very important to us, and he wants to be in the organization,” McCloughan said, via Mike Jones of the Washington Post. “We’re going to figure it out. If it’s not done by July 15, don’t worry. We’ll still get something figured out.”

McCloughan said he actually talked to Cousins about it this morning before a charity golf tournament, and maintained that all was well.

“It’s a positive conversation, and you guys are well aware, we want him back, he wants to be here,” McCloughan said. “It’s just a matter of getting a deal done.”

Having Cousins on the books for $19.9 million this year makes that easier said than done, as their desperation to keep him overrode his actual value after a solid season as starter. And having that big number as a baseline in negotiations can’t help as they try to find something that works for both sides.