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

Analyst names massive challenge 49ers' Kyle Shanahan faces in 2024

One analyst highlighted the biggest challenge facing Shanahan as he tries to get the 49ers over the hump.

Colts QB coach details how Anthony Richardson grew despite lost season

The ongoing development of Anthony Richardson following a largely lost rookie season is a significant talking point hovering over the Colts this spring. 

Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce react to Fox's Tom Brady, Greg Olsen conundrum

Brady and Fox reportedly agreed to a 10-year deal worth $375M for the seven-time Super Bowl champion to become the network's No. 1 NFL analyst beginning with the 2024 season. 

Insider has major locker room concern about Steelers' Russell Wilson

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated is among those who have a major worry about veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

Patriots legend shares how Jerod Mayo is already mimicking Bill Belichick

Mayo played under the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach from 2008 through the 2015 season and first joined Belichick's coaching staff in 2019. 

Falcons HC discusses possible Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. awkwardness

First-year Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris spoke with reporters about the potentially awkward situation involving veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell isn't losing sleep over the fact that Justin Jefferson hasn't yet signed a contract extension.

Jets' Aaron Rodgers reveals if he considered vice presidential role

One of the more unexpected stories of the NFL offseason involved independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asking the Jets QB to be his vice presidential running mate. 

Steelers beat reporter breaks down starting QB competition

Pittsburgh Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor of ESPN isn't yet among those who believe that head coach Mike Tomlin has already decided to start his experienced option.

Does Kirk Cousins regret joining Falcons after Michael Penix Jr. draft decision?

On Tuesday, Kirk Cousins addressed the Falcons' startling decision to draft Michael Penix Jr.

Jared Goff reflects on Lions' struggles, recent successes

Goff discussed the highs and lows he's experienced during his time in Detroit and where he hopes it's all leading.

Giants reportedly wanted this Daniel Jones replacement for 2023 season

Jones guided the 2022 Giants to a 9-7-1 regular-season record and a road playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings before he signed a new four-year contract with the club in March 2023. 

Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets, Billy Eppler IL controversy

Alderson addressed speculation that he was the author of an anonymous letter sent to the commissioner's office altering Major League Baseball to rules violations by Eppler.

Former Packers executive addresses Falcons' Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins situation

The Falcons signed Cousins in free agency before they made Penix the eighth pick of this year's draft.

NFL analyst expands on why 2024 Steelers could win AFC North

NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks raised eyebrows when he recently suggested that the Steelers will be "the cream of the crop in the AFC North."

Mets' Pete Alonso discusses if struggles are related to pending free agency

One can't help but wonder if playing for a new contract and not knowing about his future with the Mets beyond the All-Star break is weighing Alonso down.

How Russell Wilson is already impressing the Steelers

Quarterback Russell Wilson hasn't yet taken a meaningful snap as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers but has apparently already made a positive impression.

Mets’ Kodai Senga addresses recovery setback

The New York Mets raised eyebrows when they revealed that ace Kodai Senga had essentially paused his rehab.

Insider suggests Netflix could lose out on Christmas Day NFL games

It was first reported last week that Netflix had emerged as the "likely winner" for the rights to the pair of contests scheduled for Christmas.

Do Jets view Jordan Travis as eventual replacement for Aaron Rodgers?

For a mailbag published on Monday, NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY suggested that the New York Jets think that rookie quarterback and fifth-round draft pick Jordan Travis can become an eventual replacement for Aaron Rodgers.

Insider addresses why Bears quickly named Caleb Williams their starter

The Chicago Bears elected to not hold what likely would've been a meaningless quarterback competition and instead named first overall draft pick Caleb Williams their starter ahead of rookie minicamp. 

Colts' Shane Steichen discusses Anthony Richardson protecting himself

The 21-year-old's rookie campaign ended after he played in just four regular-season games because of an injury to his throwing shoulder that required him to have surgery. 

Report explains why 2024 NFL schedule release was delayed

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated addressed why the NFL moved the schedule release for the 2024 regular season to this coming Wednesday.

Insider expands on how Giants grew comfortable with Malik Nabers

The Giants were able to overcome supposed red flags surrounding Nabers heading into the draft.

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy compared to Pro Bowl QB

It's a positive comparison for a rookie QB who hasn't yet taken a snap in the NFL.