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

Panthers two-time Pro Bowler shares how Bryce Young has changed after rookie year

Carolina spent much of the offseason making moves that ideally will benefit Young and fix issues that prevented him from finding success as a rookie. 

Commanders' Terry McLaurin expands on praise of rookie Jayden Daniels

Daniels hasn't yet won the right to start the club's regular-season opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over veteran Marcus Mariota. 

Analyst thinks 'toxic positivity' could down 'delusional' Russell Wilson with Steelers

Three-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL analyst Mark Schlereth is among individuals who believe quarterback Russell Wilson could be his own worst enemy as Wilson attempts to extend his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL analyst shares bold Eagles take after signing of Saquon Barkley

The hope is that Barkley, who earned two Pro Bowl nods while with the Giants, will reclaim his best form assuming Philadelphia's offensive line is better than anything the Giants had.

Tom Brady confirmed for Fox appearances outside of calling games

Brady will be the network's No. 1 analyst during the upcoming NFL season as part of the 10-year deal reportedly worth $375M he signed following the 2021 campaign.

Vikings safety calls Super Bowl shot for 2024 NFL season

The club finished the 2023 campaign at 7-10.

Analyst skeptical of reports on Steelers' Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody is among those not yet buying that veteran Russell Wilson is already established as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback over Justin Fields.

ESPN personality repeats bold claim about Steelers' Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Former NFL head coach Jay Gruden raised some eyebrows when he suggested last week the Steelers wouldn't have signed quarterback Russell Wilson had they known they'd be able to acquire Justin Fields from the Bears later that month.

How Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence could impact what Packers pay Jordan Love

Love is signed through the upcoming season, and Green Bay can retain his rights for at least 2025 via the franchise tag.

Mets' Pete Alonso received free-agency advice from former teammate

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso remains on track to reach free agency after the season and revealed he received some advice from a former teammate.

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence shares vow after signing contract extension

The first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft will be expected to do more than just produce impressive stats and guide the club to the occasional postseason appearance.

Are Jets preparing to move on from GM Joe Douglas, HC Robert Saleh?

It's hardly a secret that owner Woody Johnson retained the GM, HC and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett this offseason largely because the three are backed by starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Patriots reporter addresses trade rumors about 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk

The Patriots have a need at wide receiver as rookie Drake Maye competes with Jacoby Brissett for the club's starting quarterback job.

What percentage of NFL players are in favor of an 18-game season?

Do the NFL players actually want an 18-game schedule? Depends on who you ask.

NFL insider blasts Jets' Aaron Rodgers over previous distraction comments

Rodgers will eventually have to resume media obligations related to serving as an NFL QB1, and it seems a given that he'll be asked during training camp why he didn't participate in minicamp.

Reporter explains stance on 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk contract standoff

Even if Aiyuk requests a trade, he may ultimately have to choose between playing in the final year of his current deal or forfeiting money by sitting meaningful games out in an attempt to force a move.

Tom Brady shares fear about replacing Greg Olsen as Fox analyst

Brady will make his regular-season announcing debut for the Week 1 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. 

Insider hints when NFL could shift to 18-game regular season

Is an 18-game schedule coming sooner rather than later?

Insider names 'undisputed leader' of Steelers offense amid Russell Wilson, Justin Fields competition

Many assumed back in March that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would have Wilson and Fields compete through the preseason since the club isn't married to either signal-caller beyond the upcoming campaign. 

Insider feels 'less than 10 percent' chance Vikings make this QB decision

NFL insider Albert Breer isn't very confident that J.J. McCarthy has a chance to be the Vikings' Week 1 starter.

Steelers reporter addresses trade rumors about 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk

The Steelers were first linked with Aiyuk earlier this spring.

Mets crediting something other than Grimace for hot streak

Much has been made about the fact that the Mets posted a 7-0 record after McDonald's mascot Grimace tossed out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of a home game last week.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce shares how, when he wants to retire

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce isn't quite ready to retire ala older brother Jason, but time keeps marching on.

Patriots great reflects on fans saluting Bill Belichick during Tom Brady ceremony

One of the highlights of Tom Brady's Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony last week was the fans' opportunity to salute former head coach Bill Belichick.

Analyst blames Justin Fields for Bears' instability

One analyst had an interesting take on the dysfunction in Chicago during Justin Fields' tenure.