The New Orleans depth chart currently has the unproven Tim Lelito as the top option at center, but the Saints plan to bring in some insurance.
NFL Media Insider Ian Raporort reported Monday that the Saints have agreed to a contract with center Jonathan Goodwin, according to a source informed of the player's situation. The signing should happen this week.
Goodwin, 35, spent five seasons with the Saints (2006-2010) before playing the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, starting all 48 games. He was drafted in the fifth round in 2002 by the New York Jets.
The Saints were waiting until after June 1 to sign the veteran; signings from that point on will not alter the 2015 compensatory draft picks formula.
Sean Payton spoke highly of Lelito -- who went undrafted and started two games at guard in 2013 -- this offseason as the team watched former center Brian De La Puente sign as a backup in Chicago.
Goodwin has 108 career starts under his belt so he is nice option if Lelito doesn't make a smooth transition.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks down the news and examines developments from the first week of OTAs.
