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

Insider: 49ers may have to play Jimmy Garoppolo in preseason to trade him

The only thing seemingly for sure about the future of veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo today is that the Carolina Panthers won't be trading for him now that they have Baker Mayfield on their roster. 

Reporter doubts 49ers' Deebo Samuel will report for start of training camp?

Despite some hints that he may return to the 49ers for the 2022 NFL season, one insider believes that All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel won't be back in San Francisco.

Panthers' Robbie Anderson again insists Baker Mayfield post was a 'defense of' Sam Darnold

Anderson touched upon his April social-media activities during an edition of the "I Am Athlete" podcast taped before Wednesday's trade.

New questions about 'arm fitness' of 49ers QB Trey Lance emerge?

Garoppolo's existence on the roster may also continue to lead some to question Lance's ability to win on the biggest NFL stages beginning this fall. 

Roger Goodell: 'I clearly believe' NFL Sunday Ticket will move to streaming service

One of the worst-kept secrets in the pro football world since as far back as last summer was that the NFL "Sunday Ticket" out-of-market package would be leaving DirecTV after the current contract expires.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford has much better understanding of offense in year two

All things considered, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford enjoyed a relatively positive first year with the organization after he was officially traded by the Detroit Lions in March 2021. 

Jerry Rice: 49ers should let Jimmy Garoppolo compete with Trey Lance

The future of San Francisco 49ers veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is very much up in the air now that the Carolina Panthers have landed former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel reportedly has 'little interest' in Cristiano Ronaldo

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo may already be running out of options if he is serious about forcing an exit from Premier League club Manchester United this summer. 

Mets reliever Trevor May reportedly hoping to return by late July

May hasn't taken the bump against MLB opposition since he was shut down in early May with a stress reaction on the lower portion of the humerus.

Premier League club of arrested player reportedly knew of rape allegation last fall

It's unclear when the player and/or club could be identified. 

Colin Cowherd argues 49ers can't keep Jimmy Garoppolo with Trey Lance

The 49ers may be out of potential buyers for Garoppolo, barring an injury.

Mets reportedly hoping Jacob deGrom can make two MLB starts before trade deadline

The Mets are "hoping" deGrom can make two MLB starts before the Aug. 2 trade deadline so they can better determine if they need to make a move for a different starter before that date.

Jerry Rice: 49ers QB Trey Lance will 'have a successful year this year'

Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice recently spoke with NFL Network and explained why fans should expect big things from the 22-year-old signal-caller this fall. 

QB position named biggest 'summer concern' for Steelers

One thing everybody seemingly can agree on before training camps open later this month is that the Steelers currently have more questions than answers regarding the sport's most important position. 

Mets' Chris Bassitt lashes out at MLB COVID-19 protocols: 'Stop testing it'

Bassitt tested positive for the virus at home and reported it to the Mets, a decision he now regrets.

Cristiano Ronaldo not traveling with Manchester United for preseason tour

The saga involving Premier League club Manchester United and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has taken yet another interesting turn. 

Steelers a potential option for 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo after Baker Mayfield trade?

When the Carolina Panthers officially agreed to trade with the Cleveland Browns to land Baker Mayfield on Wednesday, they did more than create a summer quarterback competition between Mayfield and fellow veteran signal-caller Sam Darnold.

Deebo Samuel teases returning to 49ers for 2022 NFL season?

Samuel may have offered an indication of his mindset ahead of training camp. 

Browns impressed with rookie WR David Bell

Cleveland wide receivers coach/pass game coordinator Chad O'Shea explained why the club remains high on Bell coming off springtime workouts and heading into training camp that opens later this month.

49ers' Trent Williams first offensive lineman to get 99 rating in 'Madden'

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams has earned a total of nine Pro Bowl nods during his career that began when he was selected fourth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Steelers' T.J. Watt an MVP candidate for 2022 NFL season?

It was recently pointed out that Steelers All-Pro edge-rusher and reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt could make history by leading the league in sacks for a third straight season.

Report: NFL, Deshaun Watson not discussing punishment settlement

Watson had his hearing in front of NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions wrap up last week.

Drafting WR George Pickens named 'best offseason move' for Steelers by Pro Football Focus

The Steelers selected Georgia wide receiver George Pickens in the second round of this year's draft and then added Memphis product Calvin Austin III via a fourth-round choice.

Report: Jacob deGrom, Mets may need to address 'a few micro-aggressions'

SNY's Andy Martino noted that "it is far from certain that deGrom will remain in New York after this season."

QB named 'biggest weakness' for 2022 Steelers

With Ben Roethlisberger gone, Pittsburgh is searching for its next franchise QB.