Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed Jonathan Goodwin will compete with second-year UDFA Tim Lelito at center. "You are never just given a position," Payton said. "Tim has done a lot of good things and we are excited about his progress, and a guy like Jonathan who has played a long time, I think it'll make both of them better." Although Goodwin is 35, he played with Drew Brees from 2006-10, and remained a useful player in 2013. He has a strong shot at beating out Lelito.

Saints agreed to terms with C Jonathan Goodwin, formerly of the 49ers. Second-year UDFA Tim Lelito is penciled in lightly as the Saints' starting center, but Goodwin will give him a run for his money. Although Goodwin is now 35, he was Drew Brees' pivot from 2006-2010 with New Orleans, and graded out as a top-14 center in Pro Football Focus' 2013 ratings. He was top-ten per PFF in 2012.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Saints are expected to sign free agent C Jonathan Goodwin. Per RapSheet, the Goodwin deal "should happen this week." Goodwin is familiar with Sean Payton's offense after spending the 2006-2010 seasons in New Orleans. He will be expected to compete with Tim Lelito for the starting job.

ESPN Saints reporter believes there's a "good chance" the team signs free agent C Jonathan Goodwin. Goodwin visited the Saints last month. They're the only team to show any known interest in the 35-year-old. Tim Lelito is penciled in as the starter for now. The Saints will give him every opportunity to earn the job, but Goodwin, a former Saint, would be a good sounding board and provide competition.

ESPN's Mike Triplett believes the Saints are still considering bring back free agent C Jonathan Goodwin. While Goodwin is certainly not the answer at center, he did play for the Saints from 2006-2010 and would provide veteran depth behind C Tim Lelito. New Orleans should look to solidify the interior of their line in next week's draft.

Free agent C Jonathan Goodwin is visiting the Saints. All signs pointed to Goodwin eventually making his way to New Orleans for a visit after the Saints lost C Brian de la Puente to the Bears. Goodwin was with the Saints from 2006-2010 before going to the 49ers. The 35-year-old doesn't have a lot left in the tank but would play with two premier guards in LG Ben Grubbs and RG Jahri Evans. The Saints could take a center early in May's draft.

NFL.com's Albert Breer believes the Saints still have interest in free agent C Jonathan Goodwin. With Brian de la Puente gone, Goodwin could be reunited with the Saints after spending the last three seasons in San Francisco. 35-year-old Goodwin is Rotoworld's top remaining center in free agency and should only require a veteran minimum contract.

The Saints could pursue free agent C Jonathan Goodwin if fellow free agent Brian de la Puente signs elsewhere.

Free agent C Jonathan Goodwin "hasn't heard anything from the 49ers." That's likely to remain the case after the 49ers signed G/C Daniel Kilgore to a three-year extension on Thursday, cementing him as the favorite to take over for Goodwin in 2013. Now 35, Goodwin was a liability in pass protection last season. He briefly considered retirement, but wants to continue playing.

CSN Bay Area expects the 49ers to let C Jonathan Goodwin walk in free agency. Goodwin turned 35 last month, but is "open" to re-signing with the 49ers. According to reporter Matt Maiocco, however, San Francisco wants to get younger at center, mentioning Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney as possibilities. The Niners could also look for a long-term replacement in the draft. Goodwin has been an NFL starter since 2008, but has become a liability in pass protection.