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

Was Tom Brady involved in Raiders' decision to pass on Shedeur Sanders during draft?

The Raiders took Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, and later passed on Sanders multiple times before they ultimately grabbed developmental prospect Cam Miller out of North Dakota State at choice No. 215. 

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux offers advice for Abdul Carter

New York Giants rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter hasn't yet played a meaningful snap as a pro but has already received quite a bit of criticism.

Update shares when Saints could know if Derek Carr may be available for 2025 season

Carr confirmed in late April that he was dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for at least part of the 2025 season.

Why Tommy DeVito may be stuck with Giants after drafting of Jaxson Dart

On Tuesday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic shared why DeVito may be stuck with the Giants for at least the next several months even though Big Blue also has veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the active roster.

49ers' George Kittle offers help to Brock Purdy amid new NFL experience

Purdy is navigating uncharted waters, and his teammate is willing to offer guidance through the process.

College defensive coordinator criticizes Browns for curious NFL Draft decision

The Browns selecting both Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Colorado signal-caller Shedeur Sanders during the draft continued to generate discussions among members of the football community through the first week of May. 

Insider predicts what it could cost Mets to keep Pete Alonso past 2025 season

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan discussed how much it could cost Mets owner Steve Cohen to re-sign Pete Alonso before the 2026 season. 

Report refutes claim on why Giants soured on Shedeur Sanders before 2025 NFL Draft

Giants beat reporter Paul Schwartz of the New York Post addressed the Brian Daboll-Shedeur Sanders whispers that have hovered over the franchise since late April. 

Report details how Tom Brady impacted Raiders' offseason quarterback moves

Brady is widely viewed as the greatest QB in NFL history, so it makes sense that first-year Raiders GM John Spytek and new HC Pete Carroll would want to involve Brady in the club's attempts to improve its offense.

Contract details show why Rams, Matthew Stafford could have more uncomfortable conversations next offseason

Details of Stafford's new deal with the Rams open door to future uncertainty.

College coaches react to Browns' Shedeur Sanders falling to fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft

Many members of the football community assumed he'd be the second quarterback selected during this year's draft after the Tennessee Titans grabbed Miami's Cam Ward with the top pick.

Mets heap praise on Pete Alonso as hot start to 2025 season continues

Alonso is off to a scorching start in 2025.

Insider updates how much 49ers' Brock Purdy could make via contract extension

Purdy and the 49ers are working on a contract extension. But how much can the quarterback expect to earn from the expected deal?

Insider explains why Steelers may still be confident about signing Aaron Rodgers

Are the Steelers still confident in signing Rodgers as the saga drags on?

Bill Belichick seems to send message to North Carolina players about playing in bowl games

Belichick will have some new things to think about as he transitions to coaching at the college level.

Report expands on why Vikings chose Sam Howell over reunion with Falcons' Kirk Cousins during draft

Howell presumably could compete for the Vikings' QB2 job as 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy prepares to be the team's Week 1 starter. 

Giants GM shares 'what really stands out about' rookie QB Jaxson Dart

One of the most discussed developments of the draft involved the Giants passing on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and trading back into the first round to grab Dart at pick No. 25.

Could Sidney Crosby request a trade after Penguins parted ways with Mike Sullivan?

For a mailbag published on Monday, Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic touched upon whether or not Crosby could request a trade following Sullivan's departure.

Insider addresses if Jordon Hudson headlines could prevent Bill Belichick from returning to NFL

Some believe Belichick officially accepted the North Carolina gig this past December largely because he thought NFL franchises would've again passed on him during the league's latest hiring cycle. 

Multiple analysts praise Raiders for making 'favorite pick' of 2025 NFL Draft

Leading up to the draft, some argued that the Raiders should strengthen a premium position with the sixth overall pick.

Multiple analysts rip Browns for two NFL Draft decisions

Some continue to wonder why the Cleveland Browns selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and then traded up in the fifth round to grab Colorado signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. 

LSU coach makes big guarantee about what Will Campbell will offer Patriots

Campbell was a somewhat controversial selection for the Patriots, but one of his former coaches believes the team won't regret its decision.

Patriots legends rip Giants' Abdul Carter over Lawrence Taylor number request

The Giants rookie pass-rusher recently struck out in his attempts to bring either Lawrence Taylor's No. 56 or Phil Simms' No. 11 jerseys out of retirement. 

Insider addresses if, when Steelers could part ways with George Pickens

Pickens seemingly isn't close to signing any type of contract extension while in the final year of his rookie deal.

Insider expands on if Browns ownership pushed for drafting of Shedeur Sanders

Much has been made about Cleveland adding both Dillon Gabriel and Sanders to a quarterback room that already featured veteran Joe Flacco and 2022 first-round choice Kenny Pickett.