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

NFL writer: Dolphins should 'pray' about Tua Tagovailoa decision

NFL writer Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated explained in a piece published on Monday why the Miami Dolphins should soon sign Tua Tagovailoa to a contract extension and then "pray" that the quarterback stays healthy and plays well beyond just a single season. 

Bears' Justin Fields linked with AFC North club amid rumors

Not everybody is convinced the Pittsburgh Steelers will enter summer training camp practices planning for 2022 first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett to compete with longtime backup Mason Rudolph for the club's starting quarterback job. 

What Bill Belichick told Jimmy Johnson about coaching future

Belichick is 15 wins away from setting an NFL record for career victories earned by a head coach.

NFL writers discuss if Giants will franchise tag Saquon Barkley

Giants GM Joe Schoen can afford to use the franchise tag to retain the rights to Barkley for a second straight year. 

NFL insider offers prediction on future of Bears, Justin Fields

It appears the Chicago Bears are embracing an "it's not personal, it's business" mantra regarding the quarterback.

How Deshaun Watson concerns resulted in Browns' offseason changes

Cleveland Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand explained in a piece published Sunday night how the club making multiple offseason coaching changes, such as replacing offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt with Ken Dorsey, is related to concerns had about quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

How Jimmy Garoppolo reportedly annoyed 49ers, Raiders

Injury issues coupled with poor play made it relatively easy for the Raiders to bench Garoppolo in 2023.

Analytics guru defends 49ers' Kyle Shanahan for overtime decision

Mike McRoberts of Championship Analytics consults for five NFL teams and recently spoke with NBC Sports' Peter King about whether or not Shanahan made the right call.

Former MVP offers Buccaneers some Baker Mayfield advice

Mayfield helped the Bucs win the NFC South and then led them to a home playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Mets president repeats bold prediction for 2024 season

The 2023 Mets collapsed under the weight of heavy expectations.

Insider details 'tension' between Giants HC Brian Daboll, OC Mike Kafka

NFL insider Connor Hughes dropped a bombshell about Giants HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka on Friday.

Chiefs DC praises Brock Purdy for Super Bowl savvy: 'He didn't flinch'

Steve Spagnuolo spoke highly about the San Francisco 49ers second-year quarterback after the Chiefs earned a 25-22 overtime win in Super Bowl LVIII last Sunday.

Lions' Jared Goff opens up about playoff win over Rams

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff recently spoke with West Wilson of Complex about earning a wild-card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Goff's employer from 2016 through the 2020 season, this past January. 

Browns icon defends Joe Flacco winning Comeback Player of the Year

Cleveland Browns icon and retired offensive weapon/kick returner Eric Metcalf suggested on the latest edition of Bleav's "Dawg Check" program that Cleveland quarterback Joe Flacco deserved to win Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year honors over Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. 

Insider shares if Giants could trade Daniel Jones this offseason

NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY explained in a mailbag published on Friday why it's unlikely New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen will attempt to trade quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason regardless of what the club does in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Former GM discusses Giants possibly using franchise tag on Saquon Barkley

Barkley left no doubt in early January that he'd be less-than-pleased to be tagged for a second straight offseason.

Writer suggests 'wild' move impacting Bears' Justin Fields, Browns' Deshaun Watson

In an article published on Friday, ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder shockingly suggested that the Cleveland Browns should acquire quarterback Justin Fields.

Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield linked with AFC East club

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler explained in a piece published on Friday why the New England Patriots could take a big swing at signing Baker Mayfield assuming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers let the quarterback reach free agency next month. 

Would Pete Alonso give Mets 'hometown discount' ahead of season?

MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post explained in a piece published Thursday night why New York Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso "is almost surely headed to free agency after the 2024 season" for reasons that go beyond the fact that Alonso is represented by Scott Boras, an agent who often encourages clients to test the open market. 

Reporter: Quarterback's future with Steelers 'up in the air'

Pittsburgh Steelers insider Brooke Pryor of ESPN explained during an appearance on the latest edition of the "Two on OSU" podcast why quarterback Mason Rudolph may head elsewhere as a free agent this spring.

Patriots insider discusses Bill Belichick's feelings on 'Dynasty' series

New England Patriots insider Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston sounds convinced that former New England head coach Bill Belichick doesn't love Apple TV's "The Dynasty" documentary series about the rise and fall of the franchise that won six Super Bowl championships across the first two decades of the 2000s. 

Did Patriots owner Robert Kraft serve as 'marriage counselor' for Tom Brady-Bill Belichick relationship?

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft might have helped keep the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick relationship alive after its initial early success.

Falcons' Zac Robinson offers high praise for Rams' Matthew Stafford

Zac Robinson served as an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams from 2019 until he became the new Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator this offseason and, thus, worked with Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford across each of the past three campaigns. 

Insider expands on 'toxic' Mac Jones, Patriots relationship

New England is expected to try to get something in return for the QB's services at some point after the new league year opens in March.

Giants icon, doctor discuss recovery of QB Daniel Jones

New York Giants icon and retired wide receiver Amani Toomer required ACL surgery twice during his career and, thus, knows plenty about what Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is experiencing as Jones works to recover from the torn ACL in his right knee he suffered back on Nov. 5.