Goodwin poised to take over at center (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

Two-year backup ready to earn spot

Jimmy Smith / New Orleans Times-Picayune

Even before the Saints added another name to the mix last week as a possible replacement for departed center Jeff Faine, the likely choice to assume the role was taking nothing for granted.

Veteran utility offensive lineman Jonathan Goodwin, who re-upped with the Saints before the beginning of the free-agency signing period when it seemed certain Faine would sign a fat contract elsewhere, said he has learned through the bulk of his six-year NFL career to assume nothing.

"You shouldn't be given anything," Goodwin said, just before the Saints increased the competition level for Faine's old job by signing veteran free-agent guard/center Matt Lehr to a one-year contract. "That's something I know. Either way if I play up to the level I played last year, they should be pretty confident with me playing." Full Story – Picayunehttp://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1207977651227240.xml&coll=1