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

Are NFL coaches worried about Bears' Caleb Williams after shaky rookie season?

Williams' rookie season did not go as he had planned after the Bears made the top quarterback prospect of his class the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Patriots' Mike Vrabel shares warning to Drake Maye after previous leadership whispers

It's no secret that the New England Patriots want Drake Maye to improve as a leader coming off an up-and-down rookie season.

Coaches suggest Jaguars' Liam Coen could have Trevor Lawrence problem

Those running the Jaguars hope that the first-year head coach will help Lawrence become an elite NFL quarterback. 

New survey on NFL QBs dampens expectations for Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith clearly believe 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers can be an upgrade for the team at quarterback over what Justin Fields and Russell Wilson offered the Steelers last season. It sounds like people around the league, however, aren't enthused about Rodgers' ceiling.

Coaches share worrisome takes about Cardinals' Kyler Murray ahead of critical season

Somewhat interestingly, Murray recently acknowledged he just now feels he's where he was before he went down with a knee injury in December 2022 that left him needing ACL surgery and some meniscus repair.

When Mike Tomlin 'knew' Steelers could have Aaron Rodgers for 2025 season

Questions about Rodgers' dedication to the Steelers hovered over the club throughout the spring as the 41-year-old remained an unsigned free agent. 

Saints HC addresses how Tyler Shough responded to 'welcome to the NFL' moment

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had a "welcome to the NFL" moment in his preseason debut.

Reporter pumps brakes on Shedeur Sanders hype train

Sanders generated plenty of buzz with a strong debut in Cleveland's preseason opener.

Mets players send message to Steve Cohen about future of Pete Alonso

The 30-year-old "Polar Bear" is also a beloved figure among Mets fans.

Who is to blame for issues between Aaron Rodgers, Steelers teammates?

NFL analyst and former Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon indicated Aaron Rodgers' teammates are to blame for the offense's struggles. 

Why Browns' Shedeur Sanders got no first-team reps before first preseason start

Some outsiders have accused the Cleveland Browns of "sabotaging" Sanders by not giving the rookie quarterback any first-team reps as he prepared to start Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. 

How Tyler Shough improved after losing ground in Saints' QB competition

Rashid Shaheed shared how Tyler Shough began "thinking less and allowing his pass catchers to make plays," leading up to the Saints' preseason opener.

Has Bears' Caleb Williams actually experienced a 'disastrous' training camp?

Are things going well or not so well for the Bears' second-year QB?

Baker Mayfield reveals 'luxury' Buccaneers have on offense

This could make the Buccaneers' offense even deadlier during the upcoming season.

Derrick Henry has Texans RB Nick Chubb ready to show age is just a number

Nick Chubb believes he can follow in the footsteps of Ravens star Derrick Henry as a running back who continues to thrive into his 30s.

It sure sounds like Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes is planning 'revenge tour'

For a piece published on Thursday night, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated sent somewhat of a warning to the rest of the NFL as he touched upon Mahomes' preparations for the 2025 campaign.

George Kittle hits back at 'crazy' narrative about 49ers

George Kittle explained why he vehemently disagrees with these forecasts.

Is Daniel Jones new favorite to win Colts' starting QB job after latest Anthony Richardson injury?

For a piece published Friday morning, Colts reporter James Boyd of The Athletic suggested Jones and Richardson are now heading in different directions regarding the battle for the QB1 gig.

A laughing matter? Bears' Caleb Williams explains viral video of him struggling

Chicago Bears fans and some local media personalities sounded alarms after a recent video showing Williams emotionally reacting to missing some throws during an individual drill went viral.

Steelers' OC makes feelings on 'laughable' Aaron Rodgers narrative clear

Aaron Rodgers and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith seem to be getting along just fine.

Could Giants' Jaxson Dart spark QB controversy with good showing vs. Bills?

On Friday, Giants reporter Dan Duggan of The Athletic attempted to pour cold water over talk about a potential battle for the club's QB1 gig. 

Dak Prescott's comments on potential Micah Parsons trade should excite Cowboys fans

Prescott addressed whether or not he has thought about not having Parsons as a teammate during the upcoming season.

How Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield, Giants' Russell Wilson feel about playing in preseason games

Discussions about whether or not veteran NFL players "need" to participate in any preseason games ahead of a grueling campaign pop up every August.

Steelers' DK Metcalf discusses connection with Aaron Rodgers after concerning report

DK Metcalf insisted his connection with Aaron Rodgers is fine.

Bills' Josh Allen shares plea amid James Cook contract saga

Bills quarterback Josh Allen made it clear he wants to have James Cook as a weapon for at least the 2025 season.