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

Report expands on why Vikings chose Sam Howell over reunion with Falcons' Kirk Cousins during draft

Howell presumably could compete for the Vikings' QB2 job as 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy prepares to be the team's Week 1 starter. 

Giants GM shares 'what really stands out about' rookie QB Jaxson Dart

One of the most discussed developments of the draft involved the Giants passing on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and trading back into the first round to grab Dart at pick No. 25.

Could Sidney Crosby request a trade after Penguins parted ways with Mike Sullivan?

For a mailbag published on Monday, Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic touched upon whether or not Crosby could request a trade following Sullivan's departure.

Insider addresses if Jordon Hudson headlines could prevent Bill Belichick from returning to NFL

Some believe Belichick officially accepted the North Carolina gig this past December largely because he thought NFL franchises would've again passed on him during the league's latest hiring cycle. 

Multiple analysts praise Raiders for making 'favorite pick' of 2025 NFL Draft

Leading up to the draft, some argued that the Raiders should strengthen a premium position with the sixth overall pick.

Multiple analysts rip Browns for two NFL Draft decisions

Some continue to wonder why the Cleveland Browns selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and then traded up in the fifth round to grab Colorado signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. 

LSU coach makes big guarantee about what Will Campbell will offer Patriots

Campbell was a somewhat controversial selection for the Patriots, but one of his former coaches believes the team won't regret its decision.

Patriots legends rip Giants' Abdul Carter over Lawrence Taylor number request

The Giants rookie pass-rusher recently struck out in his attempts to bring either Lawrence Taylor's No. 56 or Phil Simms' No. 11 jerseys out of retirement. 

Insider addresses if, when Steelers could part ways with George Pickens

Pickens seemingly isn't close to signing any type of contract extension while in the final year of his rookie deal.

Insider expands on if Browns ownership pushed for drafting of Shedeur Sanders

Much has been made about Cleveland adding both Dillon Gabriel and Sanders to a quarterback room that already featured veteran Joe Flacco and 2022 first-round choice Kenny Pickett.

Why Kirk Cousins isn't causing problems for Falcons amid trade desire

This is quite a unique arrangement involving two parties who no longer want to be together but aren't willing to force a divorce at this point in the offseason.

Insider shares if there's any 'concern' regarding 49ers, Brock Purdy contract extension talks

NFL insider Dianna Russini offered some good news to nervous 49ers fans regarding Brock Purdy's future.

Executive predicts how Saints will handle Tyler Shough amid Derek Carr uncertainty

Amid rumors claiming that Carr could miss at least a portion of the upcoming season due to a shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints selected Shough with the 40th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Executives address if Sam Howell could follow in Sam Darnold's footsteps with Vikings

Multiple team executives spoke with The Athletic's Mike Sando about whether 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell could follow in Sam Darnold's footsteps with the Vikings.

Rams HC Sean McVay makes big statement about Matthew Stafford's future

Rams head coach Sean McVay suggested he's not yet thinking about who will take Matthew Stafford's place and when. 

Team executive explains why Giants should make this Jaxson Dart decision

One unnamed team executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic why the Giants should sit Jaxson Dart behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for as long as possible. 

Report shares why Browns were more comfortable than other teams with drafting Shedeur Sanders

On Friday, ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi and Jeremy Fowler explained in a lengthy piece why the Browns felt comfortable with drafting Sanders when they did after Cleveland and every other team passed on the polarizing prospect a handful of times.

Salary-cap specialist predicts how much 49ers' Brock Purdy will earn via contract extension

While the San Francisco 49ers and Purdy reportedly are "not close" to signing a contract extension as of the first Friday of May, the two parties allegedly "have a vested interest in getting [an agreement] done before" training camp begins.

Patriots' Drake Maye discusses adjusting to having Mike Vrabel as HC

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye spoke with reporters on Thursday about adjusting to Mike Vrabel's style.

Would Steelers have drafted Will Howard over Shedeur Sanders?

If Shedeur Sanders goes on to prove the Steelers wrong as a Browns player, he could give one of Cleveland's division rivals plenty of nightmares over the next decade or so. 

Juan Soto addresses if he's pressing amid slow start to Mets tenure

Soto hasn't really looked like himself since donning a Mets uniform.

Giants' Malik Nabers shares strong reaction to Shedeur Sanders' draft slide

Nabers offered a strong reaction to what's become one of the most-discussed draft slides in NFL history.

Executive thinks this could be 'downfall' of Mike Tomlin's Steelers tenure

Tomlin has never had a losing season since he started his Steelers tenure in 2007.

Executive thinks Jets should've targeted this quarterback in 2025 NFL Draft

The New York Jets seemingly showed they are all-in on Justin Fields when they didn't select a single quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft. At least one executive thinks that was a mistake.

Former NFL player theorizes why Aaron Rodgers hasn't yet signed with Steelers

Is Aaron Rodgers having second thoughts about continuing his playing career?