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

Francisco Lindor injury could give Mets nightmares after what Yankees' Aaron Judge endured in 2023

While the Mets improved to 39-23 via Wednesday's 6-1 victory at the Dodgers, Lindor suffered a broken pinky toe when he was hit by a pitch during the game's first at-bat. 

Why Browns' Dillon Gabriel allegedly has a 'longer leash' than Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland selected Gabriel with pick No. 94 in the 2025 draft before the club traded up to grab Sanders with the 144th overall choice. 

Reporter addresses narrative regarding Seahawks potentially starting Jalen Milroe over Sam Darnold

Seattle could escape Darnold's contract as soon as next offseason if he routinely performs as poorly as he played in his final two games with the Minnesota Vikings.

Insider revives rumor linking Bill Belichick with NFC South team

Belichick remains just 15 wins away from breaking Don Shula's NFL record for career victories earned by a head coach (regular season and postseason combined). 

Insider questions stories linking Steelers to Falcons' Kirk Cousins amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty

Following Memorial Day, whispers seemed to grow louder among reporters suggesting that the Steelers could pursue a trade for Cousins if Rodgers remains unsigned when players start reporting for training camp in late July.

Former teammates explain how Broncos' Bo Nix is 'like another coach'

Nix became a surprising story of the 2024 NFL season when he guided the Broncos to a playoff berth as a rookie. 

Baker Mayfield expands on going from Liam Coen to Josh Grizzard as OC

Mayfield is on his third offensive coordinator since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023.

Why 49ers' Mac Jones joked about getting into 'huge fight' with Kyle Shanahan

Many have believed for years that Shanahan wanted to take Jones over Trey Lance with the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones discusses narrative about Aaron Rodgers missing springtime practices

Jones discussed the uncertainty at the quarterback position as the Steelers await a decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Browns OC shares how Shedeur Sanders has performed in springtime workouts

A Wednesday report suggested that "a path" exists for rookie Shedeur Sanders to emerge as the Cleveland Browns' Week 1 starting quarterback. Later, his offensive coordinator addressed the quarterback's performance so far this spring.

Derek Carr addresses if he could come out of retirement, return to NFL

The former New Orleans Saints starter shockingly retired due to reasons related to a significant shoulder injury in May.

NFL insider expands on if Seahawks could start rookie Jalen Milroe over Sam Darnold

NFL insider Albert Breer expanded on why fans shouldn't expect Jalen Milroe to make starts for the Seahawks anytime soon.

Browns DC challenges Myles Garrett following signing of massive contract extension

Garrett continued what's been quite a noteworthy offseason when he elected to remain away from the Browns during the voluntary OTAs portion of the offseason program after he signed a four-year, $160M extension that included $123.5M guaranteed in March. 

Former NFL executive sounds alarm about potential Aaron Rodgers, Steelers marriage

Former NFL player, executive and current analyst Louis Riddick sounded alarms about the Steelers possibly not having Aaron Rodgers on the roster before training camp begins in late July.

Insider expands on NFL's alleged opinion of draft lottery

Earlier this spring, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that "there hasn’t been much of an appetite for" the league to adopt a draft lottery rather than using final regular-season records to determine which teams hold the best picks.

Reporters revive trade rumors linking Browns with Falcons' Kirk Cousins

Could the Browns still be in play for Cousins?

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux rips Eagles fans during chat with Kevin Hart

Kayvon Thibodeaux's latest comments regarding the Eagles/Giants rivalry are unlikely to endear him to the Philadelphia faithful.

Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. discusses growing as leader amid odd Kirk Cousins situation

Penix couldn't help that the Falcons made him the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft less than two months after Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract that included $100M guaranteed in free agency.

National reporter updates if Shedeur Sanders has 'path' to be Browns' Week 1 starting QB

The Browns' mandatory minicamp is scheduled to run from June 10-12, but the real quarterback competition won't get underway until Cleveland begins training-camp sessions in late July.

Insider updates if Cowboys' Micah Parsons is close to receiving extension

According to Cowboys insider Calvin Watkins, there's no indication Micah Parsons will put pen to paper on a deal before Dallas players officially begin their summer breaks.

Mets' Brandon Nimmo explains what went wrong in game-losing play vs. Dodgers

Tuesday's incident was the second time in a week that Nimmo found himself on the wrong end of a curious in-game moment. 

Jets' Aaron Glenn, Josh Reynolds make big statements about QB Justin Fields

The Jets gave Fields a two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed in March.

Seahawks' Mike Macdonald shoots down 'crazy' Sam Darnold chatter

Macdonald strongly supported his quarterback after a reportedly rough day at practice.

Titans' Calvin Ridley explains how Cam Ward has right mentality to succeed as rookie QB

Barring a surprising development, Ward will likely emerge as the Titans' Week 1 starting QB over 2023 second-round draft pick Will Levis at some point this summer.