Saints hoping for strong re-introduction from DT Vernon Broughton

By Ross Jackson

While he didn’t get much time on the field during his 2025 rookie season, the New Orleans Saints are confident in third-round defensive tackle Vernon Broughton.

After being inactive for the season opener, the former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman saw his first NFL action in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers last year. During the game, he saw 33.8% of the defensive snaps, nabbing three assisted tackles in 24 plays. 

Unfortunately, during that game, Broughton suffered a season-ending hip injury toward the end of the action. He was then sidelined for the remainder of his inaugural season. Despite that, Saints’ general manager Mickey Loomis shared their excitement of the young prospect, who’s poised to return as a contributor to defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense in 2026. 

“All these guys have really stepped up and (have) done a great job,” Loomis said in his end of year presser alongside head coach Kellen Moore. They’ve been professional about the way they’ve approached their craft, even Vernon Broughton, who we didn’t get a chance to see a lot of because he got hurt pretty early. I think we’re excited about his prospects.”

The Saints took a major step forward as a run defense in 2025, finishing ranked No. 19 against the rush after finishing No. 31 in 2024. And Broughton could be a part of that continued trajectory of improvement going into next season.

As a Longhorns defensive tackle, he was lauded for his ability against the run. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted his “athletic ability to extend his range as a run defender” in his pre-draft scouting report.

If Broughton can return to the field realizing his potential and the belief the Saints have in him, he could play a rotational to consistent role in helping the team continue to compete and improve on the defensive side. The trajectory is in their favor and talented young players like Broughton can keep things moving in the right direction.