The Saints placed Broughton (hip) on injured reserve Wednesday.
Broughton was injured in last Sunday's loss to the 49ers and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025 season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported Monday. The third-round rookie recorded three tackles on 24 defensive snaps against San Francisco prior to getting hurt.
... See More... See Less
Saints' Vernon Broughton: Likely done for the season
Rotowire
Broughton is expected to miss the remainder of the year after sustaining a hip injury in Sunday's 26-21 loss to the 49ers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
The 2025 third-round pick from Texas flashed potential during his NFL debut in Week 2, recording three total tackles across 24 defensive snaps. Broughton is now seeking multiple medical opinions to determine if surgery is necessary. However, both Nathan Shepherd and Jonathan Bullard are likely to see increased defensive work in Broughton's absence.
Saints' Vernon Broughton: Saints add third-round DT help
Rotowire
The Saints selected Broughton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 71st overall.
Broughton (6-foot-5, 311 pounds) has freakish reach (35-inch arms) and provided plenty of quality snaps for Texas over the last five years. However, that wingspan outpaces his anchor, and without the latter it's not clear what standout utility he offers. Broughton was statistically one of the least disruptive players in the Texas front seven, so there's no results-based case for why he would be especially effective in the NFL. Broughton didn't start until his fifth collegiate season, so his NFL ceiling might be that of a rotational player.
