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

Why Jets didn't care about Aaron Rodgers' minicamp absences

The QB skipped the club's two-day mandatory minicamp for a vacation in June.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans closes book on successful debut season

DeMeco Ryans wants it known he has closed the book on his successful debut season serving as Texans head coach.

Data predicts bad news for 49ers' Super Bowl hopes with Kyle Shanahan

Shanahan joined a dubious group with his team's loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Executive, scout discuss Mets' trade-deadline dilemma

At least one rival team executive has some concerns about the New York Mets possibly moving a starting pitcher, such as Tylor Megill, Jose Butto or Jose Quintana, to the bullpen instead of shopping for a reliever ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

Update on Mets celebrating actual 'Bobby Bonilla Day' revealed

Bonilla receives a check for $1,193,248.20 from the Mets every July 1 through 2035 per the terms of a contract buyout agreed upon in January 2000. 

Francisco Alvarez discusses Mets pursuing Yankees' Juan Soto

Young catcher Francisco Alvarez is not afraid to admit he'd love for his New York Mets to sign Juan Soto of the New York Yankees assuming the All-Star outfielder reaches free agency after the 2024 World Series as most expect.

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux reacts to Saquon Barkley signing with Eagles

Thibodeaux understands such transactions are simply part of life in the NFL.

Mets' Jose Quintana addresses trade-deadline uncertainty

Quintana is among Mets players set to hit free agency this coming fall and could be made available to other teams regardless of New York's record because the club has a surplus of options for its rotation. 

Former Patriots safety discusses Jerod Mayo replacing Bill Belichick

Patriots owner Robert Kraft replaced Belichick with Mayo this winter after New England missed the playoffs for a third time across four seasons.

Panthers' Dave Canales discusses confidence in QB Bryce Young

The 22-year-old QB will have to show significant improvements this fall to ensure a regime that didn't make him the first overall pick of the 2023 draft will keep him atop the depth chart through next summer. 

Former Patriots QB addresses Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye decision

New England made Maye the third overall choice of this year's draft, and the 21-year-old will begin training camp as the club's QB2 behind Brissett. 

Insider expands on Steelers' feelings about Eagles' Kenny Pickett

Pittsburgh Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed certain defenses of former Steelers quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles backup Kenny Pickett after Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk/NBC Sports openly scoffed at such takes.

Jets reporter shares if Aaron Rodgers' minicamp absence is a distraction

During a recent appearance on the "Awful Announcing Podcast," New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes of SNY explained why he doesn't believe quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipping the club's two-day mandatory minicamp as an unexcused absence earlier this month is all that big of a deal.

What Vikings WR Jordan Addison worked to improve this offseason

Vikings WR Jordan Addison wants to "improve his technique and intention when releasing from the line of scrimmage at the snap" following his stellar rookie season.

NFL WR compares playing with Patrick Mahomes to Aaron Rodgers

During a Thursday appearance on FS1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" program, current Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling opened up about his experiences playing alongside the two decorated quarterbacks.

What Kayvon Thibodeaux recently learned from Giants legend

During Friday's edition of NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, Thibodeaux opened up about the chat he had with Lawrence Taylor at last week's "New York Giants 100: A Night with Legends" event.

Report updates Mets' thoughts on trade-deadline strategy

Mets fans aren't the only ones unsure how New York will handle the July 30 MLB trade deadline.

Insider predicts if Vikings' Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy will start Week 1

Alec Lewis of The Athletic recently delved into the question that is on the minds of Minnesota Vikings fans.

Why Tom Brady once threatened to never pass to Rob Gronkowski

Before Rob Gronkowski became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, he was a rookie with the Patriots trying to impress QB Tom Brady ahead of the 2010 season.

How Francisco Alvarez helped Mets save doomed season

The New York Mets have turned things around and it's not because of a purple fast-food mascot.

Personal coach discusses recovery of Browns' Nick Chubb

Personal running backs coach Brad Lester gave an optimistic update on the recovery of Browns tailback Nick Chubb.

Titans QB working to refine mechanics ahead of big season

According to Pro-Football-Reference, he ended the 2023 season ranked 31st in the NFL among qualified players with a 33.2 adjusted QBR and 30th with a 37.1 percent passing success rate.

Reporter predicts if Steelers will sign Justin Fields to extension this summer

Fields' contract is just one of many questions surrounding Pittsburgh's QB situation.

Cardinals OC discusses how QB Kyler Murray 'gets better every day'

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing believes the best is yet to come from quarterback Kyler Murray.

Yaya Diaby names 'contagious' element Baker Mayfield offers Buccaneers

Yaya Diaby is the latest member of the Buccaneers to discuss what quarterback Baker Mayfield has meant to Tampa Bay since he first signed with the club in March 2023.