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

Winners and losers from the unofficial start of NFL free agency

NFL free agency doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but the legal tampering period opened on Monday with a flurry of moves across the league.

Stock up, stock down entering championship week in college basketball

Selection Sunday for the 2024 NCAA Tournament is next week, and some teams are in good shape for March Madness, peaking at the right time.

Lakers star: 'Public humiliation' has turned me into a 'killer' on the court

The Lakers guard dropped an eye-popping quote in his postgame news conference. 

Way-too-early Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft preview

For Tampa to build on its surprising run, here are three players it should target in next month's draft.

Way-too-early New Orleans Saints NFL Draft preview

How can the Saints maximize their playoff chances through the draft?

Report: Eagles seeking to unload top 2023 edge-rushers in offseason trades

The Eagles could be active in the trade market this offseason.

Way-too-early Carolina Panthers NFL Draft preview

The Carolina Panthers are going to take part in the draft, though whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

Bombshell report reveals how Panthers have botched Brian Burns situation

The Panthers painted themselves into a corner with edge-rusher Brian Burns.

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen facing even more pressure after round of cuts

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen is going to be tasked with propping up a team that is actively cutting real talent

Way-too-early Atlanta Falcons 2024 NFL Draft preview

Here are three players the Falcons should target in the draft as they look to continue their journey back to contention.

Questionable NFL buyouts to pave way for league's international pursuit

The NFL's pursuit of international expansion is costing people their jobs.

Zion Williamson gives one stipulation for competing in dunk contest

The NBA's Slam-Dunk Contest could get a much-needed boost next season...if Zion Williamson is named a 2025 All-Star.

Trey Murphy III's scoring outburst shows how dangerous Pelicans can be in playoffs

The Pelicans dominated the Raptors in a 41-point win on Tuesday night without any of their starters scoring more than 17 points. That's because forward Trey Murphy III decided to take over the game.

Five potential landing spots for Saquon Barkley in free agency

Multiple reports indicate that the Giants declined to tag Barkley before Tuesday's deadline, allowing the seventh-year running back to hit the open market.

Franchise tag only a band-aid for Panthers and EDGE Brian Burns

The Panthers applied an exclusive franchise tag worth $24.007 million to edge-rusher Brian Burns, locking him in for at least one more season with the franchise.

Odd reason given for why Arch Manning opted out of 'College Football 25'

We're not sure Arch Manning knows how video games work.

Watch: Damian Lillard comes up big in fourth as Bucks down Clippers sans Giannis Antetokounmpo

With Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup, Monday night was Damian Lillard's time to put the Bucks on his back.

Sean Payton entering uncharted territory with Russell Wilson's pending release

With Wilson's pending release, all eyes in Denver turn toward Payton.

Potential landing spots for Russell Wilson after pending release from Broncos

It's the end of an error in Denver. The Broncos announced on Monday that Russell Wilson will be released, putting an end to a disastrous two-year marriage between the organization and the Super Bowl XLVIII-winning quarterback.

Day 3 NFL combine takeaways: Texas wideouts show out, battle for QB4 intensifies

Saturday was a massive day for the NFL Scouting Combine with quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers taking the field. Here are our main takeaways from an eventful day.

Insider: Bears have focus set on QB path they want to take

Justin Fields' days with the Bears could be numbered. 

Johnny Manziel announces Heisman boycott in solidarity with Reggie Bush

Until the NCAA returns former running back Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy to him, don't expect to see 2012 winner Johnny Manziel at any future ceremony for the award.

One trade, cut, signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers should make

Tampa will need to make moves as it tries to reach the postseason for a fifth consecutive season in 2024, the first time in franchise history.

Caitlin Clark's WNBA decision sets up Indiana Fever with bright future

Caitlin Clark is headed to the WNBA. Nowhere is that more welcome news than in Indiana.