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

Jets star reacts to controversial decision for preseason opener against Packers

First-year New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn surprised some members of the NFL community when he confirmed on Thursday that his starters will play in the team's preseason opener.

Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield responds to common criticism of HC Todd Bowles

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suggested that Todd Bowles is the perfect coach to lead the Tampa Bay squad. 

Browns beat writers don't seem excited about Shedeur Sanders' first start

Cleveland Browns fans and other members of the football community were understandably excited to learn that rookie Shedeur Sanders will serve as the Browns' starting quarterback for their preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers. Several team reporters have poured some cold water on that excitement.

Could Cowboys trade Micah Parsons before 2025 season?

NFL insider Jeremy Fowler spoke about Dallas potentially fielding calls regarding Micah Parsons' services this month. 

What Cardinals reportedly expect from Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyler Murray during 2025 season

The club hasn't earned a playoff berth since the 2021 campaign. 

Gap between star WR Terry McLaurin, Commanders revealed 

Just how far apart are the Commanders and McLaurin?

Bears GM speaks out after video of Caleb Williams' training-camp struggles goes viral

Williams is looking to bounce back from a rookie season that was filled with more lows than highs.

How Giants' Malik Nabers has grown while working with Russell Wilson

Nabers is looking to build on a fantastic rookie season.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers tries to silence concerning report from training camp

Some outsiders previously feared that Rodgers remaining an unsigned free agent until June would hurt his ability to build on-the-field chemistry with his new teammates.

Agent reveals if James Cook still wants to play for Bills amid contract saga

Has Cook's contract standoff with the Bills altered his view of his future with the team?

What Cowboys' Dak Prescott said to Micah Parsons after trade request

Prescott discussed his teammate's ongoing contract dispute with the Cowboys.

Insider rejects 'conspiracy theory' regarding Browns QB Shedeur Sanders

The Browns have made it clear since springtime workouts that Sanders is their fourth-choice option at quarterback. 

Browns' Joe Flacco discusses how Shedeur Sanders has grown ahead of preseason opener

Sanders will serve as the Browns starting quarterback for their preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers this coming Friday night. 

Former NFL exec gives Browns' Shedeur Sanders advice ahead of first pro start

During Wednesday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, analyst and former NFL executive Louis Riddick offered Shedeur Sanders advice. 

Former Cowboys star shares major concern amid Jerry Jones, Micah Parsons stalemate

Jones raised eyebrows when he admitted on Tuesday that he "absolutely" couldn't say for sure that Parsons will feature in Dallas' Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4. 

Why Baker Mayfield has been predicted to be in MVP conversation

Mayfield is working with his third offensive coordinator in three seasons.

Even more signs point to Browns choosing unique QB path

In late July, Browns GM Andrew Berry confirmed that quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel could all be on the active roster for the club's Week 1 game.

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey shares what makes Brock Purdy a 'special' QB

49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey discussed why he feels it's "special" to share an offense with Brock Purdy.

Why Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes has 'more motivation' heading into 2025 season

The Chiefs fell short of becoming the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl champions.

Why Bills' Josh Allen feels winning MVP Award 'doesn't change' his life

Allen emerged as the MVP for the 2024 regular season, but his campaign came to an end via a 32-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

How Panthers QB Bryce Young 'earned a lot of respect' after 2024 benching

Panthers head coach Dave Canales explained how Bryce Young impressed Carolina personnel with how he handled being benched.

'Clearly separated himself': Why one QB is winning Browns' competition

Lance Reisland of the Cleveland Plain Dealer explained why Joe Flacco "has clearly separated himself from the quarterback competition."

Alarming issue has been preventing Rams' Matthew Stafford from practicing

A recent update indicated that Stafford had been held out of practices throughout training camp due to a lingering back problem "in the interest of maintenance."

Intriguing solution to Commanders' Terry McLaurin problem emerges

Getting a deal done with McLaurin before the situation turns ugly should only benefit the Commanders as it pertains to pursuing a championship.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers situation appears to be improving after alarming report

Mike Tomlin and Co. took a gamble when they trusted that the offense wouldn't suffer after Rodgers spent the voluntary portion of the offseason program as an unsigned free agent.