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.

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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.