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

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.

Texas WR Matthew Golden should be a first-rounder after NFL Combine showing

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden made the most of his time at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Ohio State RBs show off absurd talent with combine performances

On Saturday, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson reminded everyone of Ohio State's embarrassment of riches at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Top RB prospect boosts draft stock with incredible vertical jump at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

After his incredible vertical jump, he might have also leapt up draft boards everywhere.

NFL Scouting Combine Sunday watchlist: 10 interior linemen to know, including Alabama standout

Offensive linemen get the stage to themselves on Sunday. Here's a look at 10 guards/centers worth knowing at the combine in Indianapolis.

NFL Scouting Combine Sunday watchlist: SEC tackle could solidify himself as OT1

Offensive linemen get the stage to themselves on Sunday. Here's a look at 10 tackles worth knowing at the combine in Indianapolis.

NFL Scouting Combine Friday preview: All eyes on Colorado DB/WR Travis Hunter

Before defensive backs and tight ends take center stage on Friday, we look at some of the most notable names expected to participate in drills in Indianapolis.

AFC South NFLPA report card takeaways: Jaguars' lousy 2024 extended off the field

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its third annual report cards for the league's 32 teams.

NFC South NFLPA report card takeaways: Poorest grade may surprise you

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released its annual report cards for the league's 32 teams. Here are four surprising takeaways from the NFC South. 

NFLPA report card could make Browns HC Kevin Stefanski's seat even hotter

Following the team's disappointing 2024, Stefanski was likely already on thin ice.

Predicting new homes for star NFL players: Why Titans' Harold Landry III makes sense in NFC West

The 2025 NFL league year doesn't begin until March 12, but trade discussions are already heating up.

Texans offseason checklist: It's time to reach a long-term deal with a 2024 All-Pro 

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

Buccaneers offseason checklist: Retaining Pro Bowl WR should be first priority

Here are five moves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should make in the coming months.

Carolina Panthers offseason checklist: Poaching Super Bowl-winning Eagles defender should be top priority

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

Ultimate NFL Scouting Combine Q&A: Schedule, QB3, Ohio State's best ... and a left-footed kicker?

The NFL Scouting Combine — also known as the "Underwear Olympics" — has begun with medical evaluations for players and more. But on-field workouts will not start until Thursday.