After winning the NFC East in 2020, expectations were somewhat high for the Washington Football Team heading into the 2021 season. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency paved the way for the Football Team to earn a mediocre 7-10 record.

Luckily, Washington is absolutely loaded with cap space as they head into a crucial offseason. Some of that cap space will surely be spent retaining players from the 2021 season.

Here are the three most important players that Washington absolutely must re-sign this offseason.

*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Players Washington must bring back in 2022 NFL free agency

3. Cam Sims

Wide receiver Cam Sims isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind when thinking of important players on this roster, but the Football Team would do well to re-sign him. His stat line of 211 yards and two touchdowns doesn't seem like anything to write home about, but Sims was only on the field for 287 snaps this year. DeAndre Carter, the man ahead of him on the depth chart, played almost double the number of snaps and produced a similar line to Sims. Sims clearly has the talent to start at receiver on this team.

Re-signing Sims becomes even more important when we look at other potential departures from this roster. Carter and fellow wide receiver Adam Humphries are both set to hit the open market this offseason. If all three players left, the Football Team would be left incredibly thin at a key position. While Sims isn't a big-name free agent, re-signing him is obviously a good decision.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Despite being paid like a starting quarterback last season, things didn't work out between Fitzpatrick and the Football Team. A hip injury suffered in Week 1 ended Fitzpatrick's only season with Washington. Injuries obviously don't indicate any level of play, so in theory, Fitzpatrick should still be able to provide high-level play in 2022. He will also be relatively cheap to re-sign after a year spent on injured reserve.

Quarterback play was clearly holding this Washington offense back throughout 2021. Taylor Heinicke performed admirably, but also proved that he isn't a starting-caliber quarterback. This offense is loaded with talent throughout the roster, but offensive talent seldom succeeds without good play from the most important position on the field. Without a premium draft pick, Fitzpatrick is Washington's best chance at quality quarterbacking in 2022.

1. Brandon Scherff

While good play at quarterback is key to offensive success, solid play from the offensive line is nearly as important. Brandon Scherff has been the best offensive lineman on this team for years now, and it hasn't been close. Over his seven years with the Football Team, Scherff has made the Pro Bowl five times while making an All-Pro team in 2020.  He's Washington's best overall player, so letting him walk would be a complete disaster for this front office.

Washington's offensive line is easily their best offensive position group. If Scherff left, it would be a huge blow to the only above-average position the Football Team has on offense. He would also be nearly impossible to replace, as less and less quality linemen actually make it to free agency. Washington doesn't have the draft capital to select Scherff's replacement either, so re-signing him should be the top priority this offseason.

The Washington Football Team must get this one done.