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

Aaron Rodgers' former coach addresses if QB will be good mentor for younger Steelers players

Rodgers developed a reputation over the past handful of years for not always having the best of relationships with younger teammates.

Juan Soto opens up about 'feeling more comfortable' with Mets

Mets outfielder Juan Soto is showing signs that he is breaking out of his funk that had hovered over the club throughout the spring.

Jaguars' Liam Coen names one way Trevor Lawrence has 'drastically improved'

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen says QB Trevor Lawrence has already taken steps in the right direction during springtime workouts. 

Mets' Carlos Mendoza expresses frustration over 'giving' games to Dodgers

The New York Mets realistically could've swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in California but instead had to settle for a four-game series split. And Carlos Mendoza is not pleased about that. 

When Brock Purdy knew he'd receive contract extension from 49ers

During a recent conversation with Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, Purdy spoke about how he essentially learned at the end of the 2024 season that he had nothing to worry about regarding his long-term future with the club.

Why former Steelers star says Aaron Rodgers signing is 'worst-case scenario' for fans

The former Steelers safety and current NFL analyst suggested that the club will ultimately regret handing the keys to its offense to Rodgers for the 2025 season.

Francisco Lindor injury could give Mets nightmares after what Yankees' Aaron Judge endured in 2023

While the Mets improved to 39-23 via Wednesday's 6-1 victory at the Dodgers, Lindor suffered a broken pinky toe when he was hit by a pitch during the game's first at-bat. 

Why Browns' Dillon Gabriel allegedly has a 'longer leash' than Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland selected Gabriel with pick No. 94 in the 2025 draft before the club traded up to grab Sanders with the 144th overall choice. 

Reporter addresses narrative regarding Seahawks potentially starting Jalen Milroe over Sam Darnold

Seattle could escape Darnold's contract as soon as next offseason if he routinely performs as poorly as he played in his final two games with the Minnesota Vikings.

Insider revives rumor linking Bill Belichick with NFC South team

Belichick remains just 15 wins away from breaking Don Shula's NFL record for career victories earned by a head coach (regular season and postseason combined). 

Insider questions stories linking Steelers to Falcons' Kirk Cousins amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty

Following Memorial Day, whispers seemed to grow louder among reporters suggesting that the Steelers could pursue a trade for Cousins if Rodgers remains unsigned when players start reporting for training camp in late July.

Former teammates explain how Broncos' Bo Nix is 'like another coach'

Nix became a surprising story of the 2024 NFL season when he guided the Broncos to a playoff berth as a rookie. 

Baker Mayfield expands on going from Liam Coen to Josh Grizzard as OC

Mayfield is on his third offensive coordinator since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023.

Why 49ers' Mac Jones joked about getting into 'huge fight' with Kyle Shanahan

Many have believed for years that Shanahan wanted to take Jones over Trey Lance with the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones discusses narrative about Aaron Rodgers missing springtime practices

Jones discussed the uncertainty at the quarterback position as the Steelers await a decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Browns OC shares how Shedeur Sanders has performed in springtime workouts

A Wednesday report suggested that "a path" exists for rookie Shedeur Sanders to emerge as the Cleveland Browns' Week 1 starting quarterback. Later, his offensive coordinator addressed the quarterback's performance so far this spring.

Derek Carr addresses if he could come out of retirement, return to NFL

The former New Orleans Saints starter shockingly retired due to reasons related to a significant shoulder injury in May.

NFL insider expands on if Seahawks could start rookie Jalen Milroe over Sam Darnold

NFL insider Albert Breer expanded on why fans shouldn't expect Jalen Milroe to make starts for the Seahawks anytime soon.

Browns DC challenges Myles Garrett following signing of massive contract extension

Garrett continued what's been quite a noteworthy offseason when he elected to remain away from the Browns during the voluntary OTAs portion of the offseason program after he signed a four-year, $160M extension that included $123.5M guaranteed in March. 

Former NFL executive sounds alarm about potential Aaron Rodgers, Steelers marriage

Former NFL player, executive and current analyst Louis Riddick sounded alarms about the Steelers possibly not having Aaron Rodgers on the roster before training camp begins in late July.

Insider expands on NFL's alleged opinion of draft lottery

Earlier this spring, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that "there hasn’t been much of an appetite for" the league to adopt a draft lottery rather than using final regular-season records to determine which teams hold the best picks.

Reporters revive trade rumors linking Browns with Falcons' Kirk Cousins

Could the Browns still be in play for Cousins?

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux rips Eagles fans during chat with Kevin Hart

Kayvon Thibodeaux's latest comments regarding the Eagles/Giants rivalry are unlikely to endear him to the Philadelphia faithful.

Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. discusses growing as leader amid odd Kirk Cousins situation

Penix couldn't help that the Falcons made him the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft less than two months after Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract that included $100M guaranteed in free agency.