Saints’ 2025 Rookie Still Benched After Ten Weeks for Team Rules Violation

New Orleans, Louisiana, November 18, 2025
Vernon Broughton, rookie defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints and a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has become the center of attention after news broke that he has been disciplined internally and benched for the first ten weeks of the season due to a violation of team rules.

According to internal sources, Broughton allegedly disregarded several team protocols for rookies. These may have included tardiness to meetings, failure to adhere to team schedules, or engaging in prohibited off-field activities. The Saints have not disclosed specific details, but the consequences are clear. Despite being fully healthy, Broughton has appeared in just one single game over the first ten weeks and has mostly remained inactive.

🎯 A Highly Anticipated Rookie

Vernon Broughton was drafted by the Saints at 71st overall out of the University of Texas, where he had a breakout 2024 season with 39 tackles and 4 sacks. He was widely considered a physically dominant prospect with strong run-stopping potential in the NFL. However, things stalled quickly after his arrival at the Saints' training camp.

Though he saw action in 24 defensive snaps in a game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 14, Broughton has since disappeared from the gameday lineup. This is not due to injury. It is an issue of attitude.

🗣️ Head Coach Kellen Moore Speaks Out

Saints head coach Kellen Moore addressed the situation with firm words during a press conference this morning:

“Talent doesn’t get you on the field. Trust does. And trust only comes from discipline. If you don’t respect the values of this team, then no matter how good you are, you won’t play.”

His strong statement makes it clear that the Saints’ locker room will not tolerate violations of team culture, especially from first-year players.

🧩 Uncertain Future

With veteran linemen like Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee performing well, Broughton is quickly losing his footing within the Saints' rotation. Despite being on a standard four-year rookie contract, if he does not improve his attitude and commitment, he may be released earlier than expected.