The New Orleans Saints now have eight of their nine picks from the 2025 NFL Draft under contract.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Saints announced that defensive tackle Vernon Broughton had signed his four-year rookie deal.
Earlier in the afternoon, New Orleans had also inked rookie safety Jonas Sanker. Both Broughton and Sanker were selected in the third round of this spring's draft.
Vernon Broughton, DT (Texas)
Broughton, from the Texas Longhorns, was the seventh pick in the third round and the 71st overall selection. He was the 11th defensive tackle drafted and one of two Texas players drafted by the Saints. Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was picked by New Orleans in the first round.
The 23-year-old Broughton played all five of his collegiate seasons with Texas. He was a major factor for the Longhorns over the last two years, with 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 fumble recoveries.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to employ a 3-4 base scheme for New Orleans. Last season, the Saints ranked a lowly 31st against the run and were 22nd in run defense the previous season.
Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Vernon Broughton (45) pressures Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10). Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Vernon Broughton is expected to be a major contributor for the New Orleans interior. He'll be competing for snaps against returning defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, and Khristian Boyd.
The Saints also traded for NT Davon Godchaux this offseason. Third-year Bryan Bresee will likely split time between tackle in four-man fronts and possibly end in 3-man alignments.
With Broughton and Sanker signed on Tuesday, New Orleans has eight of their nine draft choices under four-year contract. As a first-round choice, the team will have a fifth-year option avaliable on Kelvin Banks. Only Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, a second-round choice, remains unsigned for the Saints.
