Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins situation finally looking positive

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder wants Kirk Cousins in town for a long time and is apparently getting involved in contract negotiations.

The Washington Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins have roughly five weeks to come to an agreement on a long-term deal before the NFL’s July 15 deadline. Deadlines often spur deals. Could that be the reason owner Dan Snyder is now more involved in the once-contentious negotiations, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday?

Things have been much more positive from both sides lately as Cousins spoke fondly of the team and Snyder recently, per CSN Mid-Atlantic. Washington’s side has continued to maintain how much it wants the quarterback back in D.C. for not only the 2017 season, but the foreseeable future as well. But until an agreement is in place this is nothing more than a terrific public relations ploy on the part of the team.

Washington fans cringe every time they hear the words “Snyder is involved.” However, in this case, it could be the key to keeping Cousins in Washington for a long time.

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In this instance, this isn’t about Snyder coveting someone else’s shiny new toy. This isn’t a case of Snyder being awestruck by a superstar. This could be the time where the surly and unpredictable owner actually appreciates and realizes what he currently has is not so bad after all. The biggest key, of course, is he still must present a contract that will tempt Cousins. So far, the Redskins have not come close to doing that.

Remember when Cousins said the most important thing for him is to be where he is wanted? He means that. Breaking the bank isn’t essential for Cousins. He’s happy in Washington, playing for Jay Gruden, but he also wants the team to fully commit to him rather than continuing to say nice things about him in the media.

Is Snyder — and team president Bruce Allen — capable of doing that? Allen, after all, can’t even call his quarterback by his correct first name.

Since Snyder bought his childhood team back in 1999, he has generally always gotten what he wanted. He wanted Steve Spurrier, Joe Gibbs, Deion Sanders, Jeff George, Albert Haynesworth and Robert Griffin III. Each time, he got his man. Of course, most of the time it doesn’t go too well. Could this be the time where Snyder finally gets it right?

It’s hard to pinpoint why Snyder is all of a sudden all-in on Cousins. Could it be that he realizes what’s out there if he lets Cousins go? Or is it as simple as he refuses to let Cousins go so he can team up with Kyle Shanahan?

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For a deal to get done, Snyder needs to make it happen. He must get his side to the bargaining table and keep them there. There’s still plenty of time to get a deal done. Snyder is the one person who can make this happen. One way to show Cousins how important he is to the Washington Redskins is to show him the money.

Lots of it.