The number one priority for the Denver Broncos during the NFL offseason is upgrading the quarterback position. John Elway is determined to right the ship after a disappointing 2017 campaign in which none of the three quarterbacks on the squad were able to lead this once-dominant offense during their stints as the starter.

With the Broncos in desperate need of a franchise-caliber quarterback under center, Elway and company are expected to pursue Kirk Cousins in NFL free agency. Cousins is arguably the most sought-after player headed for free agency during the offseason with a number of teams ready to send a lucrative offer his way. Along with Denver's plans to pursue Cousins, some Broncos players, namely Von Miller, have been recruiting the star quarterback. Trevor Siemian, who was the starter for most of the season, talked about hearing that his teammates are recruiting the free-agent-to-be, via Mike Klis of 9news.com.

“It’s understandable,’’ Siemian said. “We won five games last year. In this league playing quarterback, you’re judged on wins and losses. I get it. It’s part of the deal.

“I just wish I would have done some things differently. It would have been nice to play a little better and get us a few more wins. But I’ll look back and I’ll learn from it and be better for it.’’

Although the Broncos are reportedly determined to upgrade the position and probably have a good chance of convincing Cousins to come to Denver, nothing is set in stone at this point in time with the quest for his services ever evolving. Denver will have some stiff competition with the New York Jets expected to give Cousins an enormous contract offer and other teams.

Along with the Jets, Cousins will have no shortage of offers in free agency during the NFL offseason. The Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings may all express interest when the time comes giving the Broncos and Jets plenty of competition to land the big-name free agent. Drew Brees is also a notable name headed for free agency, but it appears to be a foregone conclusion that he'll come to terms on a new contract with the New Orleans Saints with both sides having a mutual interest in getting a deal done.

As for Siemian, rumors have begun to circulate about the Broncos making the 26-year-old quarterback available via trade. Siemian may have very well thrown his last pass for Denver with the team more than likely parting ways with him and Brock Osweiler while potentially holding onto Paxton Lynch as a backup to any incoming quarterback. The team could bring in two quarterbacks as they could also choose to select one in the 2018 NFL Draft as well as sign one in free agency with Cousins being their top target moving forward. A few other options for Denver include Josh McCown, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, and AJ McCarron.

In 11 games this past season, Siemian threw 2,285 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.