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' Francisco Lindor discusses Pete Alonso's walk year

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor opened up about his teammate's uncertain future with the club.

Yankees captain outlines 'World Series-or-bust' mentality going into 2024

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Yankees fourth among the betting favorites at +1000 odds to win this year's World Series. 

Contract extension update for Mets' Francisco Alvarez revealed

Signing him long before he reaches what should be his prime could potentially save the Mets some cash in the future.

Former GM explains linking Giants' Saquon Barkley to Cowboys

Mike Tannenbaum explained why he's convinced the Cowboys should target Saquon Barkley.

Yankees' Aaron Judge shares alarming injury update

If Judge misses more than the occasional game, the Yankees could once again be out of postseason conversations.

Tom Brady reportedly must end endorsement deal after Raiders purchase

Brady could become a limited partner with the Las Vegas Raiders as soon as late March, but the official start of that relationship will force the retired QB to end another deal.

What surprised Buccaneers' Rachaad White about Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was asked during a recent appearance on "The Adam Schefter Podcast" what surprised him about quarterback Baker Mayfield after Mayfield signed a one-year contract.

Francisco Lindor linked with 'clubhouse culture' criticisms of 2021 Mets

Anthony DiComo of the MLB website shared an interesting piece of information while detailing in his Tuesday newsletter how New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has grown since his first season with the organization. 

Will fans hear audio of Travis Kelce-Andy Reid Super Bowl confrontation?

It became one of the most discussed moments from Kansas City's thrilling 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 11. 

Mets' Brandon Nimmo discusses Pete Alonso playing in contract year

Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo went through a similar experience in 2022.

How Max Scherzer helped Mets' Francisco Alvarez improve as rookie

Alvarez recently revealed how he grew as a rookie in 2023.

NFL writer shares brutal reality about Browns' Nick Chubb

NFL writer Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated explained in an article published on Tuesday why the Cleveland Browns may elect to either trade or release popular running back Nick Chubb unless the club soon signs Chubb to a contract extension. 

Will Buccaneers let Baker Mayfield test free agency?

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times raised plenty of eyebrows in the NFL community when he reported on Monday evening that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will retain the rights for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. via the franchise tag if they use the tag this offseason, a move that could allow quarterback Baker Mayfield to test free agency when the new NFL year opens on March 13. 

Beat writer updates Giants' Saquon Barkley stance

Barkley is among the recognizable big names at the running back position who could be available as a free agent when the new league year opens in mid-March.

Drew Rosenhaus explains massive change for NFL Draft prospects

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned ahead of this past weekend that the Athletes First and Rosenhaus Sports agencies are instructing prospects to not participate in any cognitive tests related to the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Former All-Pro cornerback shares controversial Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady take

Mahomes became a three-time Super Bowl champion after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 11. 

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.