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 Super Bowl LI motivates Kirk Cousins ahead of first Falcons season

Kirk Cousins had multiple reasons to root for the Falcons in Super Bowl LI and is now using it as motivation ahead of his first season with the organization. 

Mets' Edwin Diaz suggests he's fixed issue linked with recent woes

Has the New York Mets closer identified the problem?

Bears chairman has big Caleb Williams request for fans

Bears chairman George McCaskey reminded fans with high expectations that Caleb Williams will experience ups and downs from Week 1 through January 2025. 

Buccaneers GM has unique way of motivating Baker Mayfield

People involved in sports often talk about tuning out "outside noise." Bucs GM Jason Licht has a different approach, at least as it pertains to his quarterback.

ESPN reporter shares update on Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract standoff

One NFL reporter believes a recent development is a good sign regarding Dak Prescott's contract situation.

Why Jason Kelce's retirement 'excites' Eagles QB Jalen Hurts for 2024

Jalen Hurts seems hyped about taking more responsibility at the line of scrimmage following the retirement of Jason Kelce.

Agents rip Giants over 'Hard Knocks' offseason portrayal

The show revealed conversations that resulted in star RB Saquon Barkley leaving the team as a free agent and also confirmed that GM Joe Schoen explored drafting a future replacement for starting QB Daniel Jones. 

NFL agent blasts Jets, Aaron Rodgers for 'terrible' situation

At least one anonymous NFL agent believes the Jets' handling of Aaron Rodgers could result in team owner Woody Johnson firing both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas this January. 

Executive shares why teams may pass on hiring Bill Belichick as head coach

Belichick's desire to return to the sidelines has been well documented, but will the legendary coach have more difficulty than expect finding a team interested in his services?

Insider suggests NFL wants Tom Brady to choose between Fox, Raiders ownership

The former QB will begin his Fox broadcasting gig when he calls the Week 1 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. 

Mets' Edwin Diaz has new theory about latest struggles

Diaz had a theory on his struggles earlier this season, and he has a new one for his more recent issues.

Buccaneers GM discusses Falcons hype, growth of Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht addressed the hype surrounding the rival Falcons and the growth of his own quarterback as the Bucs look to build on last season's success.

Daniel Jones makes bold claim about 2024 Giants

Arguably the biggest story of the Giants' offseason involved GM Joe Schoen actively exploring a trade that would've resulted in landing an eventual replacement for Jones during the draft. 

Eagles' Jalen Hurts discusses Nick Sirianni 'elephant in the room'

Jalen Hurts again addressed his complex relationship with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.

Analyst has gloomy prediction about Steelers' Russell Wilson, Justin Fields 

Neither Wilson nor Fields is signed beyond the 2024 campaign, and both left plenty to be desired from the start of training-camp practices through Pittsburgh's preseason finale.

Insider shares big concern about Patriots starting Drake Maye

Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye could benefit in the long run by spending his first year in the NFL as a backup.

Former Jets player voices Haason Reddick concerns ahead of Week 1

Reddick stayed away from the Jets throughout training camp and the preseason amid a contract holdout and a desire for an extension. 

Why Robert Saleh believes Jets will benefit from tough 2023 season

QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a campaign-ending torn Achilles four offensive snaps into New York's regular-season opener in 2023, and the Jets ultimately finished at 7-10.

Insider predicts how Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract standoff will end

Shortly after it was learned that wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys had agreed to a four-year, $136M deal this past weekend, Lamb insisted he

Agent shares how Tommy DeVito feels about situation with Giants

After some uncertainty, DeVito ultimately remained with the Giants. His agent recently shed some light on how his client feels about his situation in New York.

Teammate discusses what's different about Brock Purdy ahead of 2024 season

A teammate discussed the growth of Purdy as the quarterback looks to build upon an impressive start to his career.

Teammate shares warning to NFL about Cardinals' Kyler Murray

The QB is going into his second season working with head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Mets' Francisco Lindor makes recruitment pitch to Yankees' Juan Soto

There remains no indication as of the final week of August that Soto will sign an extension with the Yankees before he reaches free agency after the ongoing season. 

Packers' Jordan Love discusses reality check he received thanks to Aaron Rodgers

During the latest edition of The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast, Love shared how he received somewhat of a needed reality check during his rookie year thanks to working alongside Rodgers.

Media insider names Greg Olsen as future candidate for top NFL job

Media insider Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated suggested that NBC could eventually reach out to Olsen regarding a coveted role.