Matt

Tennant

Hilliard has been primarily a special teamer throughout his three-year career with the Dolphins. His addition could be a sign that Shane Vereen (foot) is in danger of missing the season opener.

A fifth-round pick in 2010, Tennant made 28 appearances for the Saints the past two seasons. He’ll have a good chance of sticking in New England after the Pats released veteran Dan Koppen on Friday.

A fifth-round pick by the Saints in 2010, Tennant had a cup of coffee with the Pats in September. He’s never played more than 21 snaps in a game, but could end up pushing underwhelming starter Dallas Reynolds for playing time later in the season.

Tennant was claimed off of waivers from the Saints in early September but was cut shortly after. He takes the roster spot vacated by the release of Kellen Winslow. Tennant will back up Ryan Wendell.

The Saints did well to grab Tennant, considered by many to be the second-best center in the draft. A lunch-pail type with a high football IQ, Tennant is limited athletically and will struggle against bigger nose tackles. Jonathan Goodwin is a free agent in 2011, leaving Tennant as a candidate to take over the starting job.

A Third-Team All-American selection and a finalist for the Rimington Trophy at Boston College, Tennant is considered a throwback player with a high football IQ. The Saints traded next year’s fourth-rounder to grab Tennant, and he could be starting as soon as 2011.

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 Tennant.

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.

The Matt Tennant experiment didn’t last long. Kreutz replaces Jonathan Goodwin in what projects as a downgrade in on-field performance. While Kreutz has a big name, the 34-year-old graded out 33rd among 34 qualifying centers in Pro Football Focus’ 2010 ratings. Perhaps a change of scenery and better offense around him will help Kreutz, but he’s clearly on a career downswing.