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.

Impending free agent C Jonathan Goodwin is "open" to re-signing with the 49ers.

Goodwin admitted retirement "crossed his mind" after turning 35 last month, but says he "wants to be a part of helping the 49ers experience a Super Bowl victory." It doesn't sound like he has any plans to hang up his cleats. Goodwin hasn't missed a game since 2008. He graded out as the No. 14 center in Pro Football Focus' ratings this season.

49ers C Jonathan Goodwin admitted Friday retirement has "crossed his mind" for after this season.

Goodwin turned 35 earlier this month and isn't signed for the 2014 season. Centers often play effectively late into their 30s. Goodwin has graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 16 center in 2013, though he's struggled some in pass blocking. The Niners' offseason contract offer may determine Goodwin's fate.

49ers C Jonathan Goodwin has taken a $1.2 million pay-cut, reducing his salary from $3.7 million to $2.5 million.

The new deal includes $1 million guaranteed. CSN Bay Area called Goodwin a candidate for release in February, but this should ensure his roster spot. Going on 34, Goodwin should hold off Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney for his starting job.

CSN Bay Area believes 49ers C Jonathan Goodwin's starting job may not be guaranteed for 2013.

Goodwin has played well since arriving in San Francisco in 2011, but turned 34 in December. His $3.7 million salary is also the highest of any 49ers lineman. The 49ers have a pair of potential cheap, young replacements in OGs Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney. Goodwin wouldn't hurt for one-year offers if he ended up on the open market.

49ers C Jonathan Goodwin exited Saturday's game in the second quarter with an apparent left ankle injury.

Goodwin's left knee buckled, and he to be helped off the field. RG Adam Snyder would move to center, with Chilo Rachal entering if Goodwin can't go back in the game.

Jonathan Goodwin has won the 49ers' starting center job.

It took nearly a month to do it, but the former Saints center finally knocked off journeyman Adam Snyder. "I truly believe we have seven starters on our offensive line," coach Jim Harbaugh said with a straight face. The Niners O-Line has been a sieve throughout the first three weeks of the exhibition season.

49ers signed C Jonathan Goodwin to a three-year, $10.9 million contract.

The 49ers moved quickly to sign the former Saint after he visited on Tuesday evening. Entering his age-32 season, Goodwin's play began to fall off in 2010, but he fills a huge void at center for the Niners after losing last year's starter David Baas. The Saints will turn the pivot over to former Boston College star Matt Tennannt.

The 49ers are hosting C Jonathan Goodwin for a free agent visit Tuesday.

The Saints are currently using Matt Tennant as their starting center, and were never expected to "break the bank" for the 32-year-old Goodwin. The Niners are desperate at center and may be willing to give him guaranteed money.

The Saints are not expected to "break the bank" to re-sign free agent C Jonathan Goodwin.

Goodwin's play slipped to slightly below average last season, according to Pro Football Focus' ratings. With 26 other free agents to address, the Saints could turn to last year's fifth-rounder, Matt Tennant, as the starting center.