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

NFL insider hypes Jets veteran for bounce-back season

New York Jets WR Allen Lazard is out to prove that he isn't just on the team to serve as Aaron Rodgers' friend.

Patriots' Jerod Mayo shares massive Drake Maye starting update

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo emphasized his confidence in Drake Maye as a starter, but the rookie is still unlikely to start in Week 1.

Insider discusses if Dak Prescott could choose free agency over Cowboys

As of Wednesday afternoon, there remained no strong indication that the Cowboys and the quarterback were close to agreeing to a contract extension.

Malik Nabers addresses 'pressure' ahead of Daniel Jones' pivotal season

Nabers addressed any pressure he's feeling ahead of his rookie season and his relationship with Jones, who is likely facing a make-or-break season regarding his future with the Giants.

Former GM has wild suggestion for Steelers', Vikings' QB situations

Mike Tannenbaum suggested the Steelers and Vikings could help each other out ahead of Labor Day. 

Kayvon Thibodeaux addresses controversial Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones take

Pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has addressed comments he made regarding the contract situations of Daniel Jones and former teammate Saquon Barkley.

Giants leader shares big claim about post-Wink Martindale defense

Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence noted that the Giants' defense is "the closest we’ve been since I’ve been here" with Shane Bowen leading the charge.

Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield addresses Falcons hype, preseason predictions

The Falcons have garnered plenty of attention this offseason, causing some to overlook the defending NFC South champion Bucs. Mayfield recently addressed the offseason chatter.

Jets' Aaron Rodgers happy with this Robert Saleh change

Saleh seems to hope the change will have his team firing on all cylinders for its regular-season opener at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9.

Daniel Jones discusses playing for Giants career, almost being replaced

Daniel Jones recently discussed the uncertainty surrounding his job as Giants starting QB.

Lamar Jackson claps back at critics of postseason record

Star quarterback Lamar Jackson became a two-time MVP winner last season but continues to face criticism regarding his postseason record. He recently addressed those criticisms.

Browns having second thoughts about Deshaun Watson playing in preseason finale?

Watson hasn't faced a live opposing defense in a game setting since he suffered a campaign-ending shoulder injury last November.

Buccaneers GM credits two people for saving 2023 season

Jason Licht discussed two member of the organization that helped the team navigate a midseason slump before ultimately earning a playoff victory.

Giants' Brian Daboll opens up about Daniel Jones' preseason debut

Jones had a rough return to the field in his first action since suffering a torn ACL last season.

Insider shares how Eagles coaches responded to 2023 collapse

For a piece published Tuesday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated detailed how head coach Nick Sirianni and others within the Eagles have worked to get the organization back on track this summer.

Giants GM discusses relationship with Daniel Jones after 'Hard Knocks' revelation

Schoen addressed his working relationship with Jones heading into what will be a pivotal season for the 27-year-old.

Why Aaron Rodgers was 'really happy' about bad practice

Rodgers put a positive spin on what was reportedly a rough day at practice for the Jets offense.

Insider suggests Raiders' QB choice could reignite Davante Adams trade rumors

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce ended the NFL's most uninspiring quarterback competition of the summer when he named journeyman Gardner Minshew his starter.

Mets coach had message for Francisco Alvarez before walk-off home run

Alvarez had been slumping before playing hero for the Mets on Monday night.

Insider shares why Patriots haven't yet named Drake Maye their starting QB

After first-year New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged on Monday that he doesn't yet "know" if he'll name rookie Drake Maye or veteran Jacoby Brissett his Week 1 starting quarterback, many assumed it's a matter of when and not if Maye will get the nod.

Baker Mayfield discusses 2023 Buccaneers saving their season at 4-7

Mayfield's resiliency is among the reasons why individuals within the Buccaneers have routinely insisted over the past year that he was an ideal replacement for living legend Tom Brady.

Analyst torches Russell Wilson following lackluster Steelers debut

NFL analyst Mark Schlereth wasn't impressed with Wilson's Steelers debut and didn't hold back in expressing that.

Tom Brady rips NFL, teams for handling of rookie quarterbacks

There's no perfect science to developing rookie quarterbacks, and the subject sparks disagreements among analysts and former players alike each summer. 

Bears' Caleb Williams again addresses critics ahead of rookie season

Long before the Bears made Williams the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, he became a target of those who criticized some of his on-the-field attributes and his off-the-field habits. 

Patriots' Jacoby Brissett addresses uncertainty amid Drake Maye rise

Brissett was outplayed by rookie Drake Maye in this past Thursday's 14-13 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.