The Buffalo Bills' future at quarterback is a bit cloudy with starter Tyrod Taylor entering the final year of his contract, but a long-term answer could be drawing closer.

According to Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 Buffalo, the Bills and Taylor's representatives remain in discussions about a new deal, and "both sides are open to an in-season contract extension." Capaccio added that an agreement is not expected before the start of the season, but this nonetheless sounds like progress.

General manager Doug Whaley noted at the combine that Buffalo had "reached out" to Taylor about an extension, but he said there was "some work to be done" when asked about the negotiations at the NFL owners meetings in March.

Complicating matters is the four-year, $72 million contract the Houston Texans gave Brock Osweiler, who has just seven career starts and finished with a QBR of 48.8 in 2015. Taylor posted a 67.8 QBR in his first season as a starter and made an appearance as a Pro Bowl alternate.

At the owners meetings, Whaley addressed the effect of Osweiler's contract, saying: "Is it going to make our negotiation challenging? Absolutely. But, again, is that the price today? That's the tough situation, and that's where the negotiation comes in."

He also noted at the time that contract offers of all lengths were on the table with Taylor, so it's possible the Bills will seek a two- or three-year extension to give them more time to decide if he is the long-term answer.

Though an agreement doesn't appear to be imminent, the continued discussions and interest in a midseason extension are a good sign for Taylor's future in Buffalo. The Bills could just as easily use 2016 as another audition for the quarterback and wait until next offseason to make a decision, with the franchise tag looming as a failsafe, but they appear to be negotiating in good faith.

Perhaps the goal is to extend Taylor before next offseason, leaving the franchise tag as an option for cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who is also in the final year of his contract. Capaccio notes that Gilmore's agent is seeking a deal in the range of $15 million per year, which the Bills are "unlikely willing" to meet.