Out NFL Player Carl Nassib Signs Contract With Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Free agent out NFL lineman Carl Nassib has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played three seasons with the Buccaneers before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nassib made history last year when he became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. The signing was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Nassib came out as gay during Pride month last year in a video posted to Instagram.

"I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay," he said in the video. "I've been meaning to do this for a while now but finally feel comfortable getting it off my chest."

Nassib used the occasion to announce a $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, which was quickly matched by the NFL. The league quickly sought to become one of the LGBTQ+ community's more visible allies, even airing a now-famous "Football is Gay" commercial.

His first game of the season came on the league's premiere weekly showcase, Monday Night Football, where he forced a fumble in overtime which was quickly converted into a game-winning touchdown. Following the game, Nassib focused his public comments on the play on the field.

"Lot of firsts today," Nassib said at the post-game press conference. "No one blinked. It was awesome. It was a great team win, for sure."

Nassib was released in a salary cap move at the end of the season. The Raiders saved his $7.75 million base salary with the release.

With the Buccaneers, Nassib rejoins first-year head coach Todd Bowles, who was the defensive line coach during Nassib's last stint with the team. The Buccaneers are looking to bolster their defensive line following injuries and loss of personnel over the off-season. Nassib is expected to fill a rotational role along the line, in much the same role he did last season with the Raiders.