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

Saints could be one of NFL's most fascinating 2025 experiments

How much does coaching matter? The 2025 Saints will provide an answer.

Expected Colts QB signing runs counter to 2025 offseason objective

While the Colts were widely expected to add competition for quarterback Anthony Richardson during free agency, this probably isn't what fans had in mind.

Jonathan Allen signing gives Vikings an identity for 2025

With uncertainty at quarterback, the Vikings are building a sure thing on defense. 

Wofford becomes the first Cinderella of this year's March Madness

We may have just found this year's Cinderella.

Tua Tagovailoa's health even more important after Dolphins agree to add former bust as backup

The Dolphins are once again banking their future on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's health.

Browns land potential Deshaun Watson replacement in proposed Eagles trade

Based on how poorly Watson played in 2024, this new addition could be the Browns' starting quarterback this season.

Winners, losers of Monday's NFL free agency: Commanders a big winner with looming trade

The NFL's legal tampering period opened on Monday with no shortage of contract agreements.

Takeaways from Lakers-Celtics: LeBron James injury puts hitch in Lakers' title hopes

The NBA's greatest rivalry was renewed on Saturday when the Celtics hosted the Lakers, but the game seems to have long-term effects for Los Angeles. 

SIU-Edwardsville punches first men's March Madness ticket

On Saturday, SIU-Edwardsville became the first team to punch its ticket to the men's NCAA Tournament, defeating favorite Southeast Missouri in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament final, 69-48.

Saints' Derek Carr move could do more harm than good

The Saints got significant cap relief on Saturday when they restructured quarterback Derek Carr's contract.

Braves could be without prized free-agent addition for start of season

The Braves could be without their prized 2025 free-agent acquisition to start the regular season.

Watch: No. 6 St. John's buzzer-beater caps wild finish at No. 20 Marquette

Considering how this storybook season has gone so far in Queens, it would be a shock if St. John's didn't go on a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Cowboys WR critical of team on way to free agency

He played in 10 games in 2024 and had career lows in receptions (26) and receiving yards (259).

Jaguars' latest move makes WR Brian Thomas Jr. even more important to offense

Coen and Gladstone's job this offseason is to get more players like Thomas in the building who can lead Jacksonville back to the playoffs.

Deshaun Watson's contract restructure gives Browns room to find 2025 QB

Watson was arguably the NFL's worst starting quarterback in 2024.

Five potential trade destinations for Seahawks WR DK Metcalf

The Seahawks should have a robust trade market for wide receiver DK Metcalf, who requested out of Seattle on Wednesday.

Offensive line is an even bigger concern for Chiefs after trading All-Pro guard

After agreeing to the framework of a deal sending All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Bears, the Chiefs offensive line is an even bigger eyesore.

Titans offseason checklist: Decision with No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL Draft looms large

Here are five moves the Titans should make in the coming months.

Jaguars offseason checklist: From improving the secondary to jettisoning former splashy free-agent signing

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Jacksonville Jaguars should make in the coming months.

Colts offseason checklist: Who will be Anthony Richardson's competition at QB?

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. Here are five moves the Indianapolis Colts should make in the coming months.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance vs. Rockets shows why Thunder should be West favorites

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's monster game on Monday night against the Rockets showed why Oklahoma City is the favorite in the Western Conference.

Duke is scariest team in men's college basketball after another blowout win

Duke laid waste to another ACC foe on Monday, looking like a major threat to win a national title with the NCAA Tournament only weeks away.

Mavericks season gets even worse with Kyrie Irving's season-ending injury

The Mavericks can’t have anything nice. A month after trading franchise favorite Luka Doncic to the Lakers on Feb. 2, Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving suffered a concerning leg injury in Monday's 122-98 loss to the Kings.

Watch: Incredible save prevents Capitals' Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to record

Senators goalie Linus Ullmark prevented Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin from inching closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record with an incredible save on Monday.

Commanders begin potentially active offseason with trade for 49ers All-Pro WR

The Commanders began what could be an active offseason in D.C. with a massive trade on Saturday.