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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

Why the Falcons, Broncos and three other teams should trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft

Here are five teams that should consider trading up before April's draft.

Latest round of mock drafts suggest Bears will start over at quarterback

Where will Justin Fields play in 2024? According to the latest mock drafts from ESPN and Pro Football Focus, it won't be in Chicago.

Most impactful 2024 transfer portal additions

With the season officially over, here's an early look at top transfer portal additions who will make an impact in 2024.

Fired Jaguars coach rips team on way out the door: 'The problems are staying'

The Jaguars made numerous coaching staff changes on Monday, and one departing coach isn't staying silent. 

Takeaways from Michigan's national championship victory over Washington

For the first time in program history, Michigan is 15-0. The Wolverines capped a perfect season with a resounding 34-13 win over Washington in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Grizzlies hit with a devastating injury update for star Ja Morant

 Ja Morant's season is over. On Monday, the Grizzlies announced Morant, who recently returned from a 25-game suspension, will undergo season-ending labrum surgery.

Report: Former Raiders, Bucs HC Jon Gruden a candidate for role on Saints staff

The Saints are expected to retain head coach Dennis Allen, but that doesn't mean New Orleans is running it back in 2024. 

2024 NFL free-agency primer: 10 best players available

NFL free agency doesn't officially begin until the start of the 2024 league year on March 13 at 4 p.m. E.T. However, with the offseason here for 18 of the league's 32 franchises, it's the perfect time to begin assessing the upcoming crop of free agents.

Bill Belichick comments on potential changes in New England

A change is coming to New England, with or without Bill Belichick. 

Rams win sets up Matthew Stafford for Detroit return in wild-card round

The NFL scriptwriters hit this one out of the park. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is headed back to Detroit for a wild-card round game against the Lions next weekend.

Watch: Falcons HC Arthur Smith left fuming after Saints score garbage-time touchdown in 48-17 rout

If Week 18 turns out to be Arthur Smith's final game as Atlanta Falcons head coach, it will be remembered more for his postgame confrontation with New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen than anything else.

Three reasons why Washington can win the CFP championship game

What do Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies have to do to defeat Michigan?

Three reasons why Michigan can win the CFP national championship game

Here are three reasons why Michigan (14-0) can beat Washington (14-0) in a battle of unbeatens.

UNC continues redemption tour with massive conference win over Clemson

It took a yearlong detour, but North Carolina is a contender again.

Blackhawks announce terrible Connor Bedard injury news

Bedard's injury is a significant blow to the Blackhawks.

NFL insider: Cowboys' Mike McCarthy likely needs deep postseason run to keep job

It might be Super Bowl or bust for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy this season.

NFLPA survey a reminder of how badly Panthers botched their last coaching search

NFL players spoke. Maybe this time the Panthers will listen. 

Potential LSU offensive and defensive coordinator candidates

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is entering a pivotal third offseason in Baton Rouge. Not only must he replace 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and talented wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, but Kelly must also hire two coordinators to lead the Tigers in 2024.

LSU HC Brian Kelly 'cleans House' in sweeping defensive staff changes

LSU head coach Brian Kelly announced some major changes to his coaching staff on Wednesday, firing four defensive staff members, including defensive coordinator Matt House, who served in the role since the start of the 2022 season.

Black Monday preview: Are the jobs of these nine NFL coaches safe?

Who's safe and who should start packing their bags? Black Monday in the NFL is just a few days away.

NFC South Week 18 predictions: Bucs get past Panthers to clinch division

It's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' division to lose. Will they get it done in the final week of the regular season? Time for Week 18 predictions in the NFC South.