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When he discussed the prospect of a long-term deal for quarterback Kirk Cousins recently, Redskins General Manager Scot McCloughan said that he told Cousins the organization would take care of him if Cousins plays well and understands that waiting to do a deal under those circumstances could make for a bigger hit to the team’s finances.

During an interview Monday, Cousins said that approach works for him as well. Cousins, appearing on “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan, said that he thinks “there’s a chance” that a contract will get done before the July 15 deadline for a multi-year deal, but that he understands why the team would want to see what happens next season before making a longer commitment.

“If they feel like they have enough information and want to make that call right now, then great, too,” Cousins said. “But I think the ball’s in their court and I will react accordingly to whatever decision they make. But I am totally comfortable playing more football, and frankly if I don’t play well next season, I don’t deserve to be back. I don’t deserve a long-term deal. So I want to go out and earn it, and prove myself, and if I need to prove myself again, that’s fine. I’ll go see if I can do that.”

Cousins got some offensive help in the draft when the Redskins took wide receiver Josh Doctson in the first round to provide him with another target as he tries to provide the proof that will force the team’s hand in negotiations.