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

Vikings HC addresses competition amid switch to J.J. McCarthy as starter

Will there be a true quarterback competition in Minnesota?

Former GM shares advice for Aaron Rodgers following Steelers' trade of George Pickens

Pittsburgh seems to be the only team seriously interested in signing Rodgers following the draft. 

Former Cowboys HC names 'key' to getting the best out of WR George Pickens

Will the Cowboys be able to harness Pickens' talent?

Insider expands on why Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders during draft

The Steelers were one of a handful of teams that had been linked to Sanders before ultimately deciding to pass on the polarizing prospect.

NFL executive rips Browns over Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders draft moves

The Browns trading up to take Sanders with the 144th pick after they grabbed Gabriel at selection No. 94 still had noteworthy members of the NFL community scratching their heads during the opening week of May. 

Would Jets have drafted Saints' Tyler Shough at pick No. 42?

The Saints made Shough the draft's 40th pick before the Jets could spend selection No. 42. 

Shedeur Sanders reportedly made big admission about Giants coaches

It appears Sanders did himself no favors via his chats with the Giants leading up to the draft. 

Insider explains why Browns could make Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett decision before 2025 season

It seems unlikely that Flacco, Pickett, 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and 2025 fifth-round selection Shedeur Sanders will all be on the Browns roster when the regular season gets underway in September. 

Does George Pickens trade mean Steelers have moved on from Aaron Rodgers?

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo addressed whether the club's trading of George Pickens shows that Aaron Rodgers won't join the organization ahead of the upcoming season. 

Was Tom Brady involved in Raiders' decision to pass on Shedeur Sanders during draft?

The Raiders took Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, and later passed on Sanders multiple times before they ultimately grabbed developmental prospect Cam Miller out of North Dakota State at choice No. 215. 

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux offers advice for Abdul Carter

New York Giants rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter hasn't yet played a meaningful snap as a pro but has already received quite a bit of criticism.

Update shares when Saints could know if Derek Carr may be available for 2025 season

Carr confirmed in late April that he was dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for at least part of the 2025 season.

Why Tommy DeVito may be stuck with Giants after drafting of Jaxson Dart

On Tuesday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic shared why DeVito may be stuck with the Giants for at least the next several months even though Big Blue also has veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the active roster.

49ers' George Kittle offers help to Brock Purdy amid new NFL experience

Purdy is navigating uncharted waters, and his teammate is willing to offer guidance through the process.

College defensive coordinator criticizes Browns for curious NFL Draft decision

The Browns selecting both Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Colorado signal-caller Shedeur Sanders during the draft continued to generate discussions among members of the football community through the first week of May. 

Insider predicts what it could cost Mets to keep Pete Alonso past 2025 season

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan discussed how much it could cost Mets owner Steve Cohen to re-sign Pete Alonso before the 2026 season. 

Report refutes claim on why Giants soured on Shedeur Sanders before 2025 NFL Draft

Giants beat reporter Paul Schwartz of the New York Post addressed the Brian Daboll-Shedeur Sanders whispers that have hovered over the franchise since late April. 

Report details how Tom Brady impacted Raiders' offseason quarterback moves

Brady is widely viewed as the greatest QB in NFL history, so it makes sense that first-year Raiders GM John Spytek and new HC Pete Carroll would want to involve Brady in the club's attempts to improve its offense.

Contract details show why Rams, Matthew Stafford could have more uncomfortable conversations next offseason

Details of Stafford's new deal with the Rams open door to future uncertainty.

College coaches react to Browns' Shedeur Sanders falling to fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft

Many members of the football community assumed he'd be the second quarterback selected during this year's draft after the Tennessee Titans grabbed Miami's Cam Ward with the top pick.

Mets heap praise on Pete Alonso as hot start to 2025 season continues

Alonso is off to a scorching start in 2025.

Insider updates how much 49ers' Brock Purdy could make via contract extension

Purdy and the 49ers are working on a contract extension. But how much can the quarterback expect to earn from the expected deal?

Insider explains why Steelers may still be confident about signing Aaron Rodgers

Are the Steelers still confident in signing Rodgers as the saga drags on?

Bill Belichick seems to send message to North Carolina players about playing in bowl games

Belichick will have some new things to think about as he transitions to coaching at the college level.