Texas Longhorns DT Vernon Broughton Signs Rookie Contract with New Orleans Saints
Former Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Vernon Broughton has officially signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints as the NFL’s rookie minicamp kicks off. Broughton, selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, agreed to a four-year deal, leaving only one unsigned rookie from the Saints’ nine-man draft class—quarterback Tyler Shough.
Broughton, who becomes the fourth Texas defensive tackle drafted in the past two years, joins former Longhorns teammates Alfred Collins (San Francisco 49ers), Byron Murphy II (Seattle Seahawks), and T’Vondre Sweat (Tennessee Titans) in the NFL.
A former four-star recruit from Houston, Texas, Broughton played five seasons at Texas, contributing significantly to the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff Semifinal run last year. Over his career in Austin, he appeared in 55 games, recording 70 tackles (39 solo), six and a half sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The signing of the 6’5″, 300-pound Broughton provides a much-needed boost to the Saints’ defensive line, which struggled last season, ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed and 25th in rushing touchdowns allowed under former head coach Dennis Allen, who is now with the Chicago Bears. Broughton will add youth and depth to the Saints’ aging defensive front, where the average age of projected starters is 31. In defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme, Broughton could play a key role alongside veterans like Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd, and Khalen Saunders.
With the Saints’ season opener still to be determined, it will be interesting to watch Broughton’s impact as the 23-year-old defensive lineman looks to make his mark in the NFL.
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