Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Lions' running back signing likely means Jamaal Williams will have a new home in 2023

The NFL's 2022 rushing touchdown leader appears likely to have a new home in 2023. 

Patrick Peterson backtracks jersey number demand in Pittsburgh

The eight-time Pro Bowler Peterson wore No. 7 with the Vikings the past two seasons and had plans of retaining it in Pittsburgh.

Raiders are sending mixed signals with offseason moves

On Monday, the Raiders made a splash by agreeing to a deal with free-agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo. A day later, word came that Las Vegas is trading one of its best receivers.

Why Kentucky, other six seeds are on upset alert in the NCAA Tournament

Should Kentucky and other six seeds in the NCAA Tournament be on upset alert? Per DraftKings, No. 11 seeds have won 15 of 28 meetings against No. 6 seeds (54.7 percent) since 2014.  Besides the Wildcats, the other sixth seeds this year are Iowa State, TCU and Creighton, which is the best of the bunch, per ESPN's Basketball Power Index.

Dolphins bolster QB room by adding former division rival

Miami took a stride in insuring itself against potential injury to QB Tua Tagovailoa on Monday by agreeing to terms on a contract with former New York Jets QB Mike White.

30 years later, Jerry Stackhouse finally has John Calipari's number

It took 30 years, but Jerry Stackhouse might finally have John Calipari's number. Vanderbilt defeated Kentucky on Friday, 80-73, to advance to the semifinals of the SEC tournament.

Broncos WR tweets sign of potential dissatisfaction with Denver

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton shared a message online Friday that many construed as a sign he wants out of Denver.

Panthers shake up NFL Draft with blockbuster trade with Bears for No. 1 pick

The first major piece of the 2022 draft puzzle fell into place on Friday, and it's hard to blame the Panthers for giving up such a significant haul to get it done. It's the price one pays to land a quarterback.

Former NFL tight end starring in new thriller alongside Morgan Freeman

For his latest act, former NFL TE Vernon Davis is going up against Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman in a thriller.

Five XFL players who could be on NFL's radar

The XFL is a great opportunity for players overlooked by NFL teams to get noticed. Through the early stages of the eight-team league's second reboot, here are five who could get a closer look by the NFL.

Brock Purdy medical update is a good sign for 2023 season

The impending QB battle in San Francisco will be one of the biggest during training camp. It's a good thing there aren't many questions elsewhere on the 49ers roster. There are enough at QB to last an entire offseason.

Vikings receiver the latest salary-cap casualty

Changes are afoot in Minnesota. Adam Thielen was released by the Vikings on Friday and is the most recent member of the 2022 playoff team to have his time with the organization come to an end this offseason.

Three hottest seats on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Per Spotrac, the Buccaneers are nearly $49 million over the salary cap, and as the release of starting offensive tackle Donovan Smith shows, several seats are already hot in Tampa.

Preseason No. 1 North Carolina likely out of NCAA Tournament after Thursday's loss

In a nearly unprecedented turn of events, preseason No. 1 North Carolina will almost certainly miss the NCAA Tournament.

Three hottest seats on the Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have more hot coaching candidates than coaches on the hot seat. However, here are three hot seats within the organization.

Calvin Ridley opens up about gambling suspension in open letter

Calvin Ridley opened up about "the worst mistake" of his life when he gambled on football while away from the Falcons in 2021 in a powerful essay for The Players' Tribune.

Three hottest seats on the Atlanta Falcons

Flush with cap space ($66.4 million), the Atlanta Falcons are in position to turn things around in a wide-open division. If the fail to do so, several people will start feeling the heat.

Three hottest seats on the New Orleans Saints

The stakes were raised for the 2023 Saints when they signed 31-year-old QB Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million deal.

QB battle begins at Texas in Arch Manning's first week of spring practice

The Arch Manning era is upon us. This is, of course, unless Quinn Ewers puts it on ice.

Report: NFLPA eyeing possible collusion in Lamar Jackson situation

Fans aren't the only ones keeping a close eye on Lamar Jackson's contract situation. According to broadcaster Trey Wingo, members of the NFL Players Association are "keeping a close eye" for signs of collusion between NFL teams as the situation develops.  

Pair of division rivals listed as favorites to land Derrick Henry

Oddsmakers have listed a pair of AFC East rivals as the favorites to land Derrick Henry following news that the Titans were shopping the star running back.

Seahawks write Geno Smith a big check after turnaround 2022 season

The NFL tried to write Geno Smith off. Now, the Seahawks are writing Smith a big check. Per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Smith is resigning with Seattle on a three-year, $105M contract.

Michael Thomas might not be done in New Orleans after all

If the writing was on the wall in terms of Michael Thomas' run in New Orleans coming to an end, it's slowly being erased.