Carl Nassib signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After being released by the Raiders in March and returning to Tampa, veteran defensive end Carl Nassib signed a one-year contract.

The 29-year-old previously played for the Buccaneers in 2018 & 2019, setting career records in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (6.5) while also appearing in 17 regular-season Florida games.

Nassib, who was a Raiders player, became the first openly homosexual player to play in an NFL game during his two years in Las Vegas. The football community highly praised this, and Nassib set the standard for other players to follow. What standard did it set? Will it set the standard that you can be gay and still be an NFL player when you perform at a high level? Unfortunately for Nassib he was under-whelming playing with the Raiders, which got him released.

Check out the Top Sportsbooks for betting on the NFL

4.6/5

DraftKings Review

New Customers: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets INSTANTLY!

T&Cs and 21+ apply

Bet now

4.6/5

FanDuel Review

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

Bet now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement.

4.5/5

BetMGM Review

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bet now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Since his March release, murmurings about a homophobic culture in the NFL have intensified. But that was unfounded as Nassib was just a rotational guy and not worth the money from the Raiders point of view.  Until now, no clubs have shown interest in his services. Nassib should be delighted to see Tampa again. Not only is he familiar with the area and how it works, but Todd Bowles, Nassib’s former defensive coordinator, is also now the head coach.

The talented pass rusher must work hard to be on the final roster. However, Bowles’ relationship should help him to make this team. He was forced to play in a rotational position in his first season with the Raiders. He played 11 games in 2020 before being released. Nassib could give the Bucs some needed depth up front but don’t be surprised if he gets released again, and it won’t be because he is gay.