MINNEAPOLIS -- The Browns offered one of their three second-round picks for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, but weren't prepared to sign him to the blockbuster extension that the Redskins did, a league source told cleveland.com.

Cleveland.com first reported on Tuesday night that the Browns tried to trade for Smith, and ESPN.com's Pat McManamon first reported Wednesday that they offered one of the seconds.

The Browns' first two second-rounders are prime real estate in this deep draft: The Browns own the No. 33 and No. 35 picks. The team also has the Eagles' pick, which will be either No. 63 or 64 depending on if they win the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The Redskins, on the other hand, gave up a third-rounder, No. 13 in that round, and starting cornerback Kendall Fuller to land one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

But Washington really sealed the deal -- which can't be consummated until the league year begins March 14 -- by agreeing to sign Smith to a four-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. That works out to about $23.5 million a year, which is the going rate for a quarterback of his caliber.

But the Browns weren't ready to do that kind of a deal, in large part because they have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and plan to select their quarterback of the future.

To this point, they haven't been willing to commit to a top-tier quarterback, because they're poised to turn the team over to their new man as soon as he's ready.

But with Smith off the market, they might have to change their strategy. In order to lure one of the top quarterbacks such as Washington's Kirk Cousins, they'd have to be willing to pay a king's ransom. They have the money to do so, with about $111 million in cap space, but it would represent a paradigm shift in the team's plans if they go that route.

Another option would be to sign more of a bridge quarterback such as an AJ McCarron of the Bengals, and hope he could win until the rookie is ready. An arbitrator will decide on Feb. 15 if McCarron will be an unrestricted or restricted free agent. The Browns can try to land him either way, but the Bengals could match an offer if he's restricted.

The problem with the Browns is that they're fighting the stigma of their 1-31 record under Hue Jackson -- the direct result of not having a winning quarterback in either of those two seasons. The Browns went 0-8 with rookie Cody Kessler in 2016 and 0-15 with rookie DeShone Kizer in 2017.

Cousins made it clear in interviews here on radio row Tuesday that he wants to play for a winner. It doesn't mean the Browns can't offer that chance -- what with two first-round picks and pocketfuls of cap space -- but it will take some convincing.

So Smith now has a chance to take the Redskins to the next level, while the Browns will turn their attention to Cousins and other veterans.