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

49ers' Kyle Shanahan had Philip Rivers hope for Super Bowl LVII

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had a name in mind regarding Super Bowl LVII after quarterback Brock Purdy suffered his elbow injury during the NFC Championship Game.

Yankees' Carlos Rodon working to 'suck less' after controversy

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon knows he must turn things around to get back on the good side of a fan base that may let him hear it on Wednesday night.  

Bills HC Sean McDermott shares positive Stefon Diggs update

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is sticking with the company stance regarding Stefon Diggs, who may or may not be a disgruntled star wide receiver during the early days of training camp. 

Giants GM refutes Saquon Barkley trade, training camp reports

The executive made it known Wednesday he merely wanted to do whatever possible to get New York's versatile offensive weapon into camp on time, which the team accomplished.

Giants icon Tiki Barber reacts to Saquon Barkley news

Tiki Barber understands why Saquon Barkley returned to the team ahead of its first training-camp practice of the summer. 

Patriots captain praises 'resilient' Mac Jones amid uncertainty

Longtime Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater praised Mac Jones on Tuesday for the quarterback's handling of what became a difficult year.

49ers stars react to update on QB Brock Purdy

49ers linebacker Fred Warner and star running back Christian McCaffrey reacted Tuesday to the news that quarterback Brock Purdy is cleared to participate in practice coming off elbow surgery. 

Browns star DE Myles Garrett responds to leadership criticisms

Malik Jackson played for the Browns during the 2021 season, Garrett's fifth campaign in the league. Jackson raised eyebrows earlier this month during an appearance on the NFL Network "Good Morning Football" program when he seemingly questioned Garrett's leadership qualities.

Could Yankees' Aaron Judge return this weekend?

It sounds like New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is closer to returning to action than he's been since he first hurt his big right toe.

Reporters refute claim that Giants tried to trade Saquon Barkley

There's conflicting information regarding whether the New York Giants attempted to shop Saquon Barkley this offseason.

Raiders' Josh McDaniels shares positive Jimmy Garoppolo update

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels shared more good news regarding the status of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Tuesday. 

Bucs' Todd Bowles discusses timeline for naming starting QB

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is in no hurry to name either veteran Baker Mayfield or 2021 second-round draft pick Kyle Trask his replacement for retired quarterback Tom Brady.

Insider: Saquon Barkley's camp requested trade after franchise tag

It appears running back Saquon Barkley possibly could've had a new employer this year even after the New York Giants used the franchise tag to retain his rights for 2023. 

Bill Belichick reacts to DeAndre Hopkins joining Titans over Patriots

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacted Tuesday to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins signing with the Tennessee Titans instead of the AFC East club. 

How Giants' Saquon Barkley lost betting on himself

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley bet on himself this offseason and lost, potentially in a massive way by the time everything is said and done.

Mike Vrabel discusses DeAndre Hopkins' fit with Titans

Head coach Mike Vrabel clearly had no concerns about veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins fitting in with the Tennessee Titans this summer. 

Analyst: Tom Brady was 'checked out' during final season with Buccaneers

NFL analyst Jim Monos, a former personnel director and scout in the league, is the latest member of the football community to suggest the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a lesser version of quarterback Tom Brady than anticipated. 

Odell Beckham Jr. admits Ravens weren't his first choice

Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. initially wasn't sold on signing with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason. 

Packers have Jordan Love timeline in mind

The Green Bay Packers don't expect to wait long to learn if quarterback Jordan Love can be a long-term replacement for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.

Giants icon warns Saquon Barkley not to be 'a principled fool'

Two-time Super Bowl champion Carl Banks is the latest person associated with the New York Giants advising running back Saquon Barkley to grab every cent he's owed for the 2023 NFL season.

Reporters update if Angels could trade Shohei Ohtani

It sounds like the Los Angeles Angels aren't actively shopping two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline but also haven't closed the door on moving him.

49ers legend Jerry Rice shares interesting Brock Purdy, Trey Lance takes

San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice seems high on both Brock Purdy and Trey Lance as the club prepares to enter August without a confirmed starting quarterback. 

Insider updates if Mets could trade Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander

The Mets have been the subject of much speculation as they scuffle through a disappointing season, including whether they would consider trading one, or both, of their co-aces.

Odell Beckham Jr. considered retirement after knee injury

Beckham Jr. is preparing to try to help the Ravens make a Super Bowl run, be he recently admitted he considered hanging it up after his latest injury.

Lions' Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Goff respond to Dan Campbell warning

Young pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson and quarterback Jared Goff understand why head coach Dan Campbell is trying to keep everyone associated with the Detroit Lions grounded this summer.