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

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.

Former player shares harsh truth about Tom Brady replacing Greg Olsen at Fox

While Olsen became an award-winning broadcaster on Fox's top team, Brady signed a 10-year deal reportedly worth $375M following the 2021 season to eventually become the network's No. 1 analyst. 

Could Cowboys replace Dak Prescott with this four-time Pro Bowler in 2025?

The Dallas Cowboys could continue to roll with QB Dak Prescott, but what if they chose to look elsewhere?

Buccaneers great shares surprising revelation about Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has been able to go through a clean offseason on the health front, something that wasn't the case a year ago.

Analysts share stunning take on Steelers' Russell Wilson, Browns' Deshaun Watson

Analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network gave their AFC North quarterback power rankings for the 2024 preseason.

Why Jets' Robert Saleh loved ending Bill Belichick's Patriots tenure with loss

Even though the New York Jets and New England Patriots had little to play for in Week 18 of the 2023 season, Jets head coach Robert Saleh still celebrates his club's 17-3 win.

Insider refutes what WR Brandon Aiyuk suggested about 49ers

The 49ers still have no plans to trade the 26-year-old who is in the final year of his rookie contract and who skipped San Francisco's mandatory minicamp this month.

Lions star reflects on memorable Dan Campbell introductory news conference

Dan Campbell famously vowed during his introductory news conference that his team would be willing to "bite a kneecap off" to get where it wanted to go.

Insider pours cold water over latest 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk trade speculation

Aiyuk is in the final year of his rookie contract, skipped San Francisco's mandatory minicamp this month and said in a viral video that "they don't want me back."

Falcons' Raheem Morris discusses Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins situation

First-year Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris once again defended the club's decision to make quarterback Michael Penix Jr. the eighth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft despite having just signed Kirk Cousins.