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

Preston Smith reveals how Packers must help Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Preston Smith believes the defense must help quarterback Jordan Love make a smooth transition as the team's starter.

Giants RB coach praises Eric Gray amid Saquon Barkley absence

New York Giants running backs coach Jeff Nixon is impressed by what he's thus far seen from rookie Eric Gray. 

Safety Jordan Whitehead compares 2023 Jets to 2020 Buccaneers

Whitehead won a Super Bowl with the Bucs after they signed Tom Brady in free agency. He hopes the Jets can do the same following the acquisition of another MVP quarterback.

Mets' Francisco Lindor shares sweet reason for offensive hot streak

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor shared an adorable reason for why he's produced positive results at the plate this week. 

Lions have training camp request for rookie Jahmyr Gibbs

The Detroit Lions have a specific request for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs ahead of his first NFL training camp.  "Be physical. Just show physicality in every sense," Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery said about the first-round draft pick, as shared by John Maakaron of FanNation's All Lions.

Texans WR shares bold C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott take

Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown had Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott as his quarterback from 2017 through this past season and believes rookie C.J. Stroud could one day match or better Prescott's accomplishments. 

Head coach Ryan Day understands expectations at Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day understands defeating the Michigan Wolverines and chasing national championships is the standard for anyone who holds his position. 

Browns WR emerging as favorite target for QB Deshaun Watson

It sounds like Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore could emerge as a favorite target for quarterback Deshaun Watson this fall.

Former QB: Giants' Daniel Jones has trait similar to Tom Brady

Retired quarterback and current NFL analyst Chris Simms explained one thing New York Giants starter Daniel Jones has in common with future Hall of Famer Tom Brady.

Former All-Star closer compares Angels' Shohei Ohtani to Babe Ruth

Ohtani earned American League Most Valuable Player honors for the 2021 season and is cruising toward winning the award a second time before he reaches free agency at the end of the campaign.

Insider shares update on Stefon Diggs, Bills issues

Stefon Diggs has been frustrated with the Bills since they were eliminated from the postseason, and that frustration has caused some early drama ahead of the 2023 season.

Reporter reveals clear leader in Commanders' QB competition

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell seems to have an upper hand in the competition also involving veteran Jacoby Brissett. 

Former Packers DB praises Jets' Aaron Rodgers as leader

Former Green Bay Packers safety and kick returner Will Blackmon believes quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an ideal leader for a young New York Jets team looking to compete for more than just a playoff berth this season. 

Patriots may have to 'compromise' to sign All-Pro WR

Yet another individual with inside knowledge of the New England Patriots suggested the club hasn't yet signed free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in part because of Hopkins' alleged desired practice schedule. 

Report: Buccaneers' QB competition to go 'well into training camp'

Despite reports that Baker Mayfield is taking control of the competition between him and Kyle Trask, it doesn't sound like the Bucs will be declaring him the winner any time soon.

Steelers return specialist blasts controversial fair catch rule

Gunner Olszewski is among members of the NFL community criticizing the league's decision to permit a kick returner to call for a fair catch anywhere inside his team's 25-yard line to have the ball placed at the 25.

Patriots may have specific concern about signing DeAndre Hopkins

The New England Patriots may not be as close to signing free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as some initially thought.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield suggests he was 'handcuffed' by other teams

Mayfield offered praise for new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales while also seemingly taking a shot at other teams.

Former Patriots assistant responds to wild Aaron Rodgers rumor

Former New England Patriots assistant to the coaching staff Michael Lombardi isn't buying that the club attempted to land Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers this offseason. 

49ers' George Kittle praises Sam Darnold amid Brock Purdy, Trey Lance speculation

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle sounds ready to catch passes thrown by quarterback Sam Darnold if Brock Purdy isn't cleared to play come September.

Maxx Crosby addresses Tom Brady possibly playing for Raiders

The 31-year-old Jimmy G. is expected to be ready to go before training camp, but Brady's availability as a free agent could give the Raiders a "break glass in case of emergency" option depending on Garoppolo's status.

Lionel Messi elaborates on choosing MLS, Inter Miami over Barcelona

"Initially, we had a different idea [to return to Barcelona]," Messi explained during an interview with TV Publica out of Argentina, as shared by Adriana Garcia of ESPN.

Former Jets QB makes bold Aaron Rodgers prediction

If nothing else, Boomer Esiason's comments are a reminder that the high expectations hovering over the Jets since they landed Rodgers aren't disappearing.

Owner could get involved in Giants' standoff with Pro Bowl RB?

It's thought Barkley is looking to secure more than the $22.2M in approximate guaranteed money he'd earn playing on the franchise tag for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Taysom Hill talks fighting for specific role with Saints

Versatile New Orleans Saints offensive weapon Taysom Hill is fighting for a larger wide-receiver role now that Derek Carr is cemented atop the depth chart at QB.