Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Analyst shares worrisome evaluations of Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart

As of the first Friday of April, it seemed to be a realistic possibility that a quarterback class previously thought to be weak could become responsible for three signal-callers taken in the first nine picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.

How Browns, Giants or Patriots reportedly could use Travis Hunter

For a piece published Friday, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller discussed how the Browns, Giants or Patriots could use Hunter during his rookie season.

How new Patriots QB coach could help Drake Maye learn Josh McDaniels' offense

A new coaching staff that includes longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and current quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant is now tasked with helping Drake Maye reach what's believed to be a high ceiling. 

Insider addresses Browns' possible QB plans for 2025 NFL Draft

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated discussed how the Browns could address their quarterback situation during the draft. 

Titans reportedly have 'comfort level,' 'leader in the clubhouse' regarding No. 1 pick of 2025 NFL Draft

Any alleged drama regarding how the Titans will handle the draft's top asset may only be for show. 

Insider shares non-Vikings theory about why Aaron Rodgers hasn't signed with Steelers

During a Thursday appearance on FS1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" program, NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic shared a different theory about why Rodgers began the first Friday of April as an unsigned free agent.

Former QB shares bold NFL Draft prediction regarding Jaxson Dart

Dart emerged from the NFL Scouting Combine as arguably the top rising star on draft boards. 

Vikings GM gives hint of QB plans amid Aaron Rodgers, J.J. McCarthy rumors

Back in late March, the GM declined to slam the door shut on possibly signing Rodgers as McCarthy continues to recover from the full meniscus repair that sidelined him for all of last season. 

Analyst names clear winner in Cowboys' trade for Patriots' Joe Milton III

On Thursday, the Patriots surprisingly agreed to trade backup QB Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Cowboys in return for a 2025 fifth-round choice.

Why Browns could have Kenny Pickett compete with Tyler Shough for starting QB job this summer

In his latest mock draft published on Wednesday, ESPN's Field Yates predicted that the Browns would grab Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough at overall selection No. 33. 

NFL exec discusses 'best-case scenario' 49ers' Brock Purdy should expect for contract extension

The Athletic's Mike Sando shared that at least one unnamed NFL team executive thinks Brock Purdy may want to give the 49ers a discount.

Steelers insider addresses concerns about Aaron Rodgers, Arthur Smith fit

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" touched upon the Aaron Rodgers-Arthur Smith marriage that could become official this spring.

Dolphins' Mike McDaniel explains faith in Zach Wilson as reclamation project

The New York Jets gave up on quarterback Zach Wilson after just three seasons, and the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft then spent the 2024 campaign as an unused backup with the Denver Broncos.  In March, Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins to continue his development under head coach and offensive guru Mike McDaniel.

Why Todd Bowles isn't worried about Buccaneers again having a new offensive coordinator

For the third time in his Bucs tenure that began in March 2023, QB Baker Mayfield will have a new OC after Liam Coen left the organization to become the HC of the Jacksonville Jaguars this past winter.

Giants insider, NFL executive address latest Shedeur Sanders, draft rumors

Multiple mock drafts produced by national football analysts published on Wednesday linked the Giants with the Colorado quarterback.

Could NFL, NFLPA agree on 18-game regular season soon?

It's thought the league will go to a format of 18 regular-season contests and two preseason matchups per team, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it known he's "not a fan of the preseason."  

Did Falcons' Kirk Cousins reject Browns before Steelers rumors emerged?

The contract Cousins signed to join the Falcons in March 2024 has a full no-trade clause, and it's believed he doesn't want to go to a club that could spend a high-value draft pick on a signal-caller later in April.

Browns' Deshaun Watson, agent seem to respond to 'swing and miss' comment from owner

The owner acknowledged on Monday that the franchise "took a big swing and miss" by acquiring Watson and giving him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230M contract in March 2022. 

Giants reportedly 'love' QB prospect other than Shedeur Sanders

The Giants continue to contemplate how they will spend the third overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

How Browns owner challenged Myles Garrett after signing of massive contract extension

Garrett rescinded his trade request and signed a massive four-year, $160M extension that included $123.5M guaranteed in March to stay with the franchise. 

NFL executive doubts Raiders would make big Geno Smith move

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll revealed during this week's NFL owners meetings that the club is "working on" a contract extension for recently acquired quarterback Geno Smith.

Do Steelers have rookie QB other than Jalen Milroe in mind?

The Steelers' quarterback situation continues to draw attention.

Will Browns essentially choose Kenny Pickett over Falcons' Kirk Cousins?

Pickett spent his first two pro seasons with the Steelers before they gave up on him. 

Reporters update if Patriots are shopping QB Joe Milton III

The Patriots backup quarterback has been the subject of trade rumors since he played well against the Buffalo Bills in a Week 18 game this past January.

Ben Roethlisberger addresses Steelers' Aaron Rodgers, NFL Draft situations

Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on the team adding Aaron Rodgers and its draft plans.