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

FanDuel Review

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Bet now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

4.5/5

BetMGM Review

Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days

Bet now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). See BetMGM.com for Terms. New Player Offer for new players only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in NJ, MA, MI, NV, NY, ON, PA, PR, and WV.

4.5/5

DraftKings Review

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Bet now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

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.