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

Cardinals trades are shrewd moves for whichever quarterback they build around

Whereas most teams are gearing up for the 2023 season, Arizona has its sights set on 2024, and for good reason. 

Broncos are doomed if they lose this WR

Sean Payton's first year in Denver was always going to be difficult, but the task potentially got a lot more daunting on Thursday when wide receiver Jerry Jeudy suffered a hamstring injury during practice.

Ranking the best landing spots for demoted 49ers QB Trey Lance

Who wants Trey Lance? Several teams could be interested, and it won't take nearly as much as the 49ers surrendered in order to get him.

Steelers' Jaylen Warren, Eagles LBs and more to watch in Thursday's preseason games

The final week of preseason action kicks off with a pair of games on Thursday evening. Here's what to focus on for the Steelers, Falcons, Eagles and Colts.

Big 12 commissioner's comments at Texas Tech are a horrible look

While it's one thing to prop up a remaining program, Yormark is taking things way too far by openly rooting against an active conference member.

It's time for 49ers to own up to their failed Trey Lance experiment

Why the San Francisco 49ers should move on from QB Trey Lance.

Cowboys 2022 second-round pick hurts chance of making roster with latest arrest

As good as Sam Williams was in his rookie year, his off-the-field issues might be too much to overlook. This isn't the first time he's been in trouble with the law. 

Could Caleb Williams return to USC in 2024?

Caleb Williams is the crown jewel of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unless, of course, he stays at USC for his senior year. It's been assumed — even by Williams — that he'd play three seasons in college and declare for the NFL Draft.

Saints cut wide receiver after disastrous preseason outing

Bryan Edwards took two touchdowns off the board in New Orleans' Week 2 preseason game and on Tuesday, the Saints made sure he won't do it again. The decision to cut Edwards is unsurprising after his stock took a major hit in Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Baker Mayfield's last stand

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles officially named Baker Mayfield the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. The announcement ends the battle for the No. 1 spot with Kyle Trask and starts the timer on Mayfield's last opportunity to prove he's a franchise quarterback.

Terry McLaurin injury makes Commanders biggest loser in Week 2 of the preseason

The Commanders have little reason to rejoice over their 29-28 win over the Ravens on Monday evening, because the potential effects of Terry McLaurin's injury are far greater than the result of a meaningless preseason game.

Why a pair of AFC East teams make the most sense for a Jonathan Taylor trade

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor received permission to seek a trade on Monday, paving the way for the former All-Pro running back to leave Indianapolis as desired. Here comes the hard part: finding a trade partner.

Panthers' Frank Reich makes right call on Bryce Young for preseason finale

After the first two weeks of the preseason, the Panthers offense certainly needs more practice. Young has struggled behind an offensive line that's allowing pressure on 46.7 percent of his dropbacks, the sixth-highest pressure rate among quarterbacks with at least 15 dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus.

Michigan's self-imposed suspension of Jim Harbaugh could speak volumes about his future

The speculation about a return to the pros would have run rampant with a looming 2024 suspension. Instead, the Wolverines are getting out in front of not only an NCAA punishment, but also the NFL vultures as they gear up for a third consecutive Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance.

NFC South stock up, stock down: Bijan Robinson shines, Bryce Young struggles

From Bijan Robinson's outstanding debut to Bryce Young's quiet start, here's a look at whose stock is up and whose stock is down in the NFC South through two weeks of preseason action.

Are Broncos, Saints looking to make another trade before regular season?

After the Sean Payton deal, Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints might have another trade up their sleeves prior to roster cuts on Aug. 29.

Patriots HC Bill Belichick shuts down offseason rumor regarding potential Aaron Rodgers trade

When one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history is on the market and there's a potential need at quarterback, you look into making that move, though Belichick was his typical self on the topic.

Watch: Steelers RB Jaylen Warren makes case for prominent role with explosive TD run

Undrafted running back Jaylen Warren might give Najee Harris a serious run for the starting running back role in Pittsburgh.

Watch: Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell scold Pete Carroll after training-camp video goes viral

Seattle Seahawks HC Pete Carroll's dazzling display of passing athleticism in training camp has both Hollywood and the NFL buzzing.

Georgia HC Kirby Smart names starting quarterback for 2023 season

Georgia named QB Carson Beck their starter for the 2023 college football campaign.

Notre Dame, USC headline Week 0 of college football season

With the season days away, here's a look at some of the most important people, places and things to look out for in Week 0.

Bengals are no sure thing to make playoffs without Joe Burrow

The longer Joe Burrow is sidelined by his calf, the more Cincinnati should worry about its playoff hopes. Bengals backup quarterbacks Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian fared slightly better in Week 2 of the preseason against Atlanta than they did in the opener against Green Bay yet both struggled to manufacture points in a 13-13 tie.

Praise of George Pickens puts pressure on Kenny Pickett

In a stacked AFC, it's going to be difficult for the Steelers to reach the playoffs, even with an improved Pickett.

Broncos defense poised for another strong season with addition of rookie LB

With most of the talk in Denver this offseason about how Broncos head coach Sean Payton will get the most out of quarterback Russell Wilson, the defense has largely been left out of the conversation. This rookie LB may change that.

Season-ending injury to Buccaneers WR another blow in quest to repeat in NFC South

The job just got a little more difficult for whichever quarterback wins the starting job for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.