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

Why Eagles' Saquon Barkley has 'different appreciation' for Nick Sirianni

Barkley was familiar with Sirianni as an opponent, but being around the head coach as a member of his team has changed the running back's view of his coach.

Browns' Deshaun Watson has new message for critics ahead of Week 1

Watson has played in just 12 regular-season games since the end of the 2020 campaign and is coming off what eventually became a season-ending shoulder injury after he first hurt that shoulder in Week 3 last September. 

NFL insiders share worrisome updates on Jets, Haason Reddick standoff

New York Jets and NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY shared earlier this week that he believes the contract standoff involving the club and Pro Bowl pass-rusher

NFL analyst predicts whether Steelers will have 'quick hook' for Russell Wilson

How much time does Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson have to ease into the season?

Giants legend names 'worst thing' Daniel Jones can do during pivotal season

An NFL analyst who knows a thing or two about playing quarterback for the Giants recently discussed how Daniel Jones should handle a season that comes with immense pressure as his future in New York is in doubt.

Jason Kelce makes big claim about leadership of Eagles' Jalen Hurts

Hurts is set to take on more responsibility as the Eagles begin a season full of expectations and scrutiny, and his former teammate thinks he's ready.

What Ravens' Lamar Jackson learned from AFC title game loss to Chiefs

Jackson turned just 27 years old weeks before the loss to Kansas City but received quite a bit of criticism this offseason due to his 2-4 career playoff record.

Why Kirk Cousins wants to get 'popped' in Falcons debut

This offseason, Cousins worked to recover from the torn Achilles he endured in late October of last year. 

Cowboys' Jerry Jones shares massive Dak Prescott contract claim

Prescott is expected to become the league's highest-paid player either as a member of the Cowboys or as a free agent in March 2025.

Why Jets' Aaron Rodgers is 'thankful' for injury-doomed 2023 season

Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into Week 1 of the 2023 campaign. 

Insider shuts down claim about Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract talks

Cowboys insider Jon Machota of The Athletic suggested contract talks between Dak Prescott and the Cowboys would end after kickoff of this Sunday's Week 1 game.

Report expands on Browns building offense around Deshaun Watson

Watson ultimately made only six total starts during the 2023 season before he was shut down.

How Tom Brady used 'gap year' to prepare for broadcast debut

Tom Brady has been working toward his broadcasting debut for a while.

Colts' Anthony Richardson focusing on himself amid outside noise

Richardson is facing a sophomore season that brings both expectations and legitimate questions. The signal-caller isn't worried about any of the outside noise, however.

What Aaron Rodgers promised Packers QB Jordan Love after 2020 NFL Draft

Critics may always believe Aaron Rodgers wasn't "a team player" either with the Packers or the Jets, but Jordan Love has millions of reasons to disagree with such takes.

Lamar Jackson reveals what 'bothers' him after winning second MVP 

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson insisted this offseason that he doesn't care what the critics say about aspects of his career. But that doesn't mean there's nothing that bothers him about how his career has unfolded so far.

Giants' Deonte Banks 'wants' challenge of Vikings' Justin Jefferson

The Giants made Banks the 24th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he recorded two interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 64 total tackles across 15 starts as a rookie. 

Chiefs' Travis Kelce addresses retirement rumors, why he's 'thankful' 

Kelce turns 35 years old in October and already has a plethora of business opportunities outside of football.

Giants, Daniel Jones share postseason expectations amid doubts

The Giants are coming off a 6-11 season that was followed by the club allowing star running back Saquon Barkley to reach free agency.

Cowboys' Jerry Jones shares reason Mike McCarthy is in 'lame-duck' year

McCarthy's Cowboys completed three consecutive 12-5 regular seasons through the 2023 campaign, but his squads also went 1-3 in the playoffs over that time. 

Insider shares bold prediction about 2024 Falcons

The Falcons first became media darlings picked by many to win the NFC South division title for 2024 shortly after they signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency this past March. 

Tom Brady discusses Patriots sitting rookie QB Drake Maye

Brady spoke about first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo starting veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett over Maye for this coming Sunday's regular-season opener at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Analyst shares interesting trade scenario involving Sidney Crosby

Could a slight concession from Crosby lead to a best of both worlds situation for the future Hall of Famer as he plans the end of his career?

Did Cris Collinsworth try to 'scare' Tom Brady out of broadcasting?

NFL analyst and NBC "Sunday Night Football" voice Cris Collinsworth revealed earlier this summer that he was among the broadcasters who advised Tom Brady on his move to the broadcast booth.

Analyst rips Steelers for controversial Russell Wilson decision

The former NFL player and current analyst explained why he disagrees with the Steelers' decision regarding Wilson.