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

Raiders HC sings praises of rookie TE Brock Bowers

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce sang Bowers' praises during rookie minicamp this past weekend.

Insider drops bombshell report about Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett

The Jets hired Hackett after the 2022 season before they officially acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023. 

Writer expands on why Browns replaced Joe Flacco with Jameis Winston

Flacco made waves with the Browns last season, but the team ultimately opted to let him go in favor of Winston.

Mets share worrisome Kodai Senga update

It sounds like advertised New York Mets ace Kodai Senga won't be returning to the rotation when he's eligible to be reinstated to the roster on May 27.

Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo raised eyebrows over the weekend with comments about his rookie quarterback. The start of rookie camps shed some light on the team's efforts to develop the young signal-caller.

Texans WR Nico Collins makes bold claim about offense

The Texans made one of the biggest splashes of the NFL offseason when they acquired star wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills. 

Raiders HC names leader in Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew competition

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce spoke with reporters on Friday and indicated that 2023 fourth-round draft pick Aidan O'Connell has an early advantage over journeyman Gardner Minshew regarding a quarterback competition that's expected to last through at least a portion of the preseason. 

Malik Nabers updates status of bet with Jayden Daniels

All bets are now off for Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers.

Former 49ers QB compares Brock Purdy to Patrick Mahomes

During a Friday appearance on the KNBR "Murph and Markus" program, the former 49ers signal-caller doubled down on his praise of Purdy.

Falcons HC Raheem Morris discusses recovery of Kirk Cousins

Cousins suffered a torn Achilles while with the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 29 but signed a four-year, $180M contract to join the Falcons back in March. 

Beat writer explains why Patriots took two QBs in 2024 NFL Draft

The team made Tennessee Volunteers QB Joe Milton III a sixth-round draft pick last month shortly after it took North Carolina Tar Heels QB Drake Maye via the third overall pick.

Buccaneers GM explains why Baker Mayfield was brave to replace Tom Brady

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield was not scared away by the presence of outgoing legend Tom Brady when he initially signed with the franchise.

Did quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy find better 'fits' than Caleb Williams?

The Chicago Bears selected QB Caleb Williams first overall, but does that mean Williams is entering the best situation among this year's crop of rookie signal-callers?

Raiders GM discusses trusting Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew at QB

On paper, the Raiders struck out when they failed to acquire a top-tier quarterback prospect during the 2024 NFL Draft last month. 

49ers' Trent Williams makes surprising claim about Super Bowl loss

The Niners lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Raiders GM addresses 2024 NFL Draft 'coin toss' controversy

Cornerback Terrion Arnold claimed the club used a "coin toss" to finalize its decision to make tight end Brock Bowers and not Arnold the 13th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Media insider expands on possible Netflix, NFL Christmas Day partnership

The NFL surprised few and upset some when it called an audible earlier this year and went forward with scheduling two Christmas Day games for 2024 even though the holiday falls on a Wednesday this coming December. 

Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast

Brady delivered numerous funny (and well-scripted) lines during the Netflix roast.

Buccaneers GM again responds to Falcons, Kirk Cousins hype

Jason Licht doesn't lose sleep over what seemingly has become a yearly tradition of analysts and so-called experts doubting his team. 

Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis isn't among those who believe quarterback Russell Wilson will let the organization down this season.

Buccaneers GM had emotional reaction to re-signing Mike Evans

During a recent appearance on the "Schein on Sports" SiriusXM program, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht opened up about why re-signing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans was a must-accomplish goal of the offseason.

Why scout is optimistic Mets' Pete Alonso will soon heat up

It appears not everybody within the MLB community believes New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso will stay cold at the plate for much longer amid his contract season.

How Saints QB Derek Carr handled criticism from Michael Thomas

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr discussed how he handled criticism from former New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas.

Could concerns about aging cause Mets to trade Pete Alonso this summer?

Both the Mets and Alonso need the "Polar Bear" to heat up sooner rather than later so everyone involved can benefit from a relationship that currently has no guaranteed future beyond the July 30 trade deadline. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren raised eyebrows when he suggested that quarterback Justin Fields could return kickoffs for the club this coming fall.