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

AFC West quarterback undervalued in 2025 QB tiers

Another year, another opportunity for the NFL to try to write off Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy checks all boxes in preseason start versus Texans

For a player who had gone nearly a full year without playing, it was the kind of performance Minnesota needed to see. 

Jaxson Dart closed gap on Russell Wilson with effective Giants preseason debut

Jaxson Dart might not need to remain Russell Wilson's backup for long.

ESPN fantasy expert says these players could be 2025 NFL breakout stars

Who’s ready to make a leap? ESPN NFL insider Field Yates, who co-hosts ESPN’s “Fantasy Football Now,” weighed in with Yardbarker recently on NFL players who could have standout seasons in their second year in the league.

One major training-camp surprise for every NFL team as preseason begins

While teams continue to shape rosters, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the major surprises — good or bad — for each team during training camp.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gets harsh reality check over Micah Parsons drama

While the two-time first-team All-Pro has been extension-eligible since the end of the 2023 regular season, the Cowboys have strung along talks, pushing Parsons to request a trade on Aug. 1. 

Mel Kiper Jr. names Big Ten QB who could 'soar up' 2026 NFL Draft boards

Following last season's breakthrough, Indiana isn't sneaking up on anyone in 2025. That extends to their offseason transfer portal addition at quarterback.

Vikings offense has sizable hole following first-round WR's NFL ruling

The Minnesota Vikings will be without one of their top wide receivers for the start of the regular season. 

Rams extension sets market for Bills RB James Cook

The Los Angeles Rams may have done the Buffalo Bills a huge favor.

Leader could be emerging in Saints QB race

For the first time this training camp, the Saints had the same first-string quarterback in back-to-back sessions. Could a leader be emerging in the clubhouse?

Yankees implosion should be final straw for Devin Williams as closer

On Monday, New York Yankees closer Devin Williams' nightmarish season continued in an 8-5 extra innings loss to the Texas Rangers, making one thing painfully obvious. It's time for manager Aaron Boone to give the job to someone else.

Brewers catch break with star rookie's positive injury update

The Milwaukee Brewers put rookie pitching phenom Jacob Misiorowski on the 15-day injured list (IL) but it appears unlikely he will miss any additional time past his IL stint.

Shedeur Sanders has long way to go after Browns' first depth chart release

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has a long way to go to before joining the first-team offense.

Falcons could be repeating last year's mistake with preseason QB plan

The Atlanta Falcons apparently didn't learn from last season.

Change necessary after Aces fold in humiliating 53-point loss to Lynx

The Las Vegas Aces hit rock bottom on Saturday. After folding in an embarrassing 111-58 loss to the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, change has never been more necessary. 

WNBA relocation rumors heat up with reported Sun sale

The Connecticut Sun took a significant step toward relocation on Saturday. 

Best moments from 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony

The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed four members to its ranks, with Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Sterling Sharpe joining the sport's elite in Canton on Saturday.

Broncos work not done after extending standout DE Zach Allen

The Broncos have been busy recently keeping their core intact, but their job is far from finished.

Astros turning to former franchise cornerstone to fill glaring third base hole

The Houston Astros are hoping a familiar face can solve their sudden hole at third base.

One player from each NFC team who deserves Hall of Fame call

With the Detroit Lions-Los Angeles Chargers Pro Football Hall of Fame Game kicking off 2025 action, Yardbarker NFL writers mulled a player — past or present — on each NFC team who merits enshrinement in Canton.

Why critical Cam Ward comments are a good thing for Titans

On Wednesday, ESPN Titans reporter Turron Davenport wrote about comments rookie quarterback Cam Ward made after a lackluster practice session.

Young Saints defenders making early statement during training camp

A pair of young cornerbacks have been among the biggest noisemakers during the first week of Saints training camp.

Dolphins position group under more pressure following injury update

Dolphins edge-rushers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson are used to providing the pressure, but in 2025, they'll be under it.

Unreal A'ja Wilson game shows why Aces' season has been a missed opportunity

In case anyone doubted because of the Las Vegas Aces' mediocre record, Wilson issued a reminder that she's the WNBA's best player with an unreal first quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Mystics rookies leading unexpected playoff push

The Washington Mystics' youth movement is working pretty well.