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

Adding Colorado doesn't fix the Big 12's problem

The Big 12 keeps getting bigger but not necessarily better. Colorado will join the conference in 2024, following the leaps made by BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF this offseason. Those gains hardly make up for the major losses of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024, creating a major problem for the conference.

Aaron Rodgers pay cut might have Packers wondering 'What if?'

Green Bay Packer fans might be asking themselves about a sliding-doors moment after Aaron Rodgers agreed to take a pay cut with the New York Jets.

Colorado news shows how Pac-12's drawn-out media rights deal is backfiring

Colorado's expected exit could be the block that causes the rest of the conference to tumble.

Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers chat before Packers open training camp

Aaron Rodgers might have left Green Bay but he isn't burning bridges to his longtime NFL home.

2023 QB signings put pressure on Chiefs to restructure Patrick Mahomes deal

Patrick Mahomes is the undisputed best quarterback in football but you couldn't tell that from glancing at the list of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL.

Big Ten schools draw attention for all the wrong reasons this offseason

With the 2023 season right around the corner, the biggest headlines in the conference are for controversies surrounding a pair of conference head coaches, not the outlook on the field for the conferences memebers.

For better or worse, the Celtics and Jaylen Brown are joined at the hip

Brown landed a five-year, fully guaranteed $304 million contract extension, $28 million more than Nikola Jokic earned last season when his $276 million contract made him the league's highest earner at the time.

Saints sign former fan favorite to one-year deal

Jimmy Graham is headed back to where it all began. After a year off, the tight end is giving it another go in the Big Easy.

Lions avoid catastrophe with C.J. Gardner-Johnson injury

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the practice field after suffering a non-contact knee injury. That's usually a sign of a serious, potentially season-ending injury. Fortunately, head coach Dan Campbell said imaging showed no major structural damage.

Giants, Saquon Barkley end contract dispute with running back betting on himself

After fellow Pro Bowl running backs Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard failed to land lucrative contracts at the franchise tag deadline as well, Barkley didn't have much leverage, so he decided to sign a one-year deal in hopes of it paying off next year.

NBA stars toe awkward line in response to Kylian Mbappe's offer

Would NBA stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green and LeBron James ever really play in Saudi Arabia?

Michael Thomas gets injury update ahead of training camp

Ahead of the start of Saints training camp on Wednesday, wide receiver Michael Thomas remains on schedule.

Trevor Lawrence cracks list of NFL's top 100 players after breakout season

Trevor Lawrence's massive leap in 2022 resulted in him cracking "The Top 100 Players of 2023," voted on by players and revealed by NFL.com.

Broncos DT latest player to receive suspension for betting

Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike joined the infamous (and growing) list of NFL players to be suspended under the league's betting rules.

ESPN's 'College GameDay' announces location for Week 1

A little over a month until the start of the college football season, ESPN announced where its popular "College Gameday" pregame show will broadcast from in Week 1.

Saints hosting five-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman

The New Orleans Saints are looking at a homegrown talent who has earned five Pro Bowl selections to fortify their offensive line.

Brian Harman captures first major with ease at The Open Championship

Even the rain couldn't stop the sun from shining on Brian Harman. He closed out The Open Championship with ease on Sunday, securing his first major title. 

Aaron Rodgers gifted custom diamond chain by Jets All-Pro cornerback

New York Jets All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner had some special jewelry made for his quarterback.

Jon Rahm surges up leaderboard with 8-under 63 at Open Championship

From struggling to make the cut to surging up the leaderboard, Jon Rahm used moving day at The Open Championship to put himself into contention for a third major championship.

Natterjack toad temporarily halts play at The Open

A tiny toad found itself on the big stage at The Open Championship on Saturday. Per NationalClubGolfer.com, the Natterjack toad is a rare species that breeds in a few select locations in the UK, with Hoylake, the home of this year's Open, being one of those places. 

Brian Harman’s great second round capped by eagle at No. 18

Brian Harman closed out a great second round at the Open Championship with his first eagle at the tournament since 2014.

Vikings receive troubling news on 2023 first-round draft pick

Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison was issued a citation early Thursday morning for speeding and reckless driving.

Tennessee HC Josh Heupel declares 'there's only one real UT' ahead of Texas joining SEC

So much for Southern hospitality. Josh Heupel isn't leaving a welcome mat out for Texas ahead of its move to the SEC next season, which is unsurprising given he won a national title as the starting QB for Oklahoma.

Indianapolis Colts unveil 'Indiana Nights' jersey and helmet

Anthony Richardson's first dance with the Colts will feature a fresh look in Week 7. The team revealed its alternate "Indiana Nights" uniform with a social media post on Thursday.

Bears QB Justin Fields makes bold prediction for team's offense

The Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer but Justin Fields believes that's about to change.