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

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.

One trade, cut and signing New Orleans Saints should make

Once again, the Saints began the offseason in salary-cap hell. 

Alabama's SEC record-tying win over Ole Miss sets up huge showdown

Alabama tied a long-standing SEC record on Wednesday night as it moved into a tie for first with Tennessee ahead of the teams' massive showdown on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

Dalton Knecht ties career-high as Tennessee takes control of SEC

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht led the way for his team in its 92-84 win over Auburn on Wednesday night, putting the Vols in control of the SEC and keeping them in play for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

NFC South: Most surprising takeaways from 2024 NFLPA survey

The NFL Players Association revealed report cards for the league's 32 teams on Wednesday. Here are our main takeaways from the grades for the NFC South.

Watch: Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton caps high-scoring first quarter with flashy assist to Obi Toppin

The Pacers finished the first quarter of their game Wednesday night against the Pelicans in style.

One trade, cut, signing Carolina Panthers should make

With GM Dan Morgan and HC Dave Canales embarking on their first offseason in those roles, here are three moves the Panthers should make to start the process of escaping the NFL's basement.

Chiefs graded as one of worst franchises in NFLPA's 2024 report card

For the second year in a row, the NFLPA's report card indicated a harsh truth about the Chiefs.

One trade, cut, signing Atlanta Falcons should make

With free agency and the NFL Draft looming in March and April, here are three more moves Atlanta should make.

Bears GM suggests team could make QB decision soon

Bears quarterback Justin Fields won't have to wait much longer to know where he'll play in 2024.

Watch: Mississippi Valley State fans storm court after team picks up first win of the season

For the first time all season, Mississippi Valley State had something to celebrate.

Watch: Pistons HC Monty Williams fumes over officiating after controversial loss to Knicks

Pistons head coach Monty Williams has had enough. Following his team's 113-111 loss to the Knicks, the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year blasted the officiating during a wild final sequence.