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

Russell Wilson has already had a 'very positive impact' on Giants star

Wilson is the undisputed leader of the New York offense until further notice. 

Bucs GM preaches patience regarding returns of Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs

It sounds like Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs could both be spectators when the Bucs face the Falcons on Sept. 7. 

Jets' Justin Fields addresses training-camp struggles ahead of preseason opener

Justin Fields insisted that rough outings are "inevitable" at this time of the year.

Could Deshaun Watson force Browns to make tough QB decisions before 2026?

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned that Deshaun Watson could make things difficult for the Browns later this year. 

Michael Penix Jr. makes bold prediction about Falcons offense for 2025 season

Penix Jr. is certainly feeling confident heading into his first full season as a starter.

New Buccaneers backup QB sparks memories of team landing Tom Brady in 2020

The Buccaneers winning the Brady sweepstakes in early 2020 proved to be a franchise-altering event.

Insider addresses contract Commanders' Terry McLaurin wants after trade request

McLaurin is the favorite target for Washington quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

Browns coaches address summer struggles endured by rookie QB

One Browns rookie QB was on the receiving end of some harsh criticism on Monday. Some of his coaches then addressed the rookie's performance so far.

How rookie QB Will Howard has impressed Steelers coaches

Howard has largely been an afterthought to outsiders this offseason, but it sounds like the rookie is impressing those within the organization. 

Patriots veteran offers passionate defense of struggling rookie

The Patriots made the rookie their new starting left tackle when they selected him with the fourth overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Geno Smith has perfect message for all the Raiders doubters

Smith will first get an opportunity to back his words up with his play.

Major prediction emerges on Cowboys, Micah Parsons contract standoff

Assuming Parsons and the Cowboys work things out, it's widely believed that his extension will make him the new highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

Joe Flacco gets honest about being a mentor to younger Browns QBs after receiving criticism

Flacco expanded on previous comments regarding his mentorship of a young QB room in Cleveland.

Mets manager tries to defend controversial decision after loss

The Mets had an opportunity to notch a thrilling come-from-behind win in the bottom of the ninth inning of Monday's game.

Colts' Daniel Jones reflects on flaming out with Giants 

Jones went 3-13 over his final 16 starts with the Giants until he was benched and then released last November.

Reporter suggests Giants could make Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart decision sooner than planned

In July, Giants GM Joe Schoen teased that the door could be slightly open for the club to start Dart over Wilson early into the upcoming season. 

Browns' Shedeur Sanders addresses missing practice with arm soreness

Eyebrows were raised when it was learned that Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was held out of Saturday's training-camp practice due to arm soreness.

Broncos' Sean Payton adds to Bo Nix hype with bold prediction

Payton didn't hold back in making a prediction about what his quarterback could become.

Is Michael Penix Jr. looking over his shoulder with Kirk Cousins still on Falcons roster?

Penix replaced a struggling Cousins in the Atlanta starting lineup last December.

Insider expands on how rookie Cam Ward is already a leader for Titans

Ward is the Titans' undisputed QB1 for their Week 1 matchup at the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7 after Will Levis needed season-ending shoulder surgery.

Buccaneers' Luke Goedeke addresses uncertain future amid contract year

In 2024, Goedeke made 13 starts for a Buccaneers offensive line that helped quarterback Baker Mayfield post the best regular-season numbers, to date, of his career.

Browns reporter says rookie is 'not an NFL QB'

One reporter had a concerning evaluation of one of the Browns' rookie quarterbacks. 

Rams share worrisome Matthew Stafford update ahead of preseason opener

Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has had a "week-to-week" designation throughout training camp as he deals with lingering back soreness.

Reporter predicts how Commanders will handle Terry McLaurin trade request

Will the Commanders be able to iron things out with McLaurin?