Finding a backup center was one of the Panthers' objectives entering free agency.
They can check that need off their list after signing former Baltimore center Gino Gradkowski to a three-year deal Thursday. Gradkowski, Baltimore's fourth-round pick in 2012, will back up Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil and also can play guard as needed.
The Panthers tried to claim Gradkowski when the Broncos put him on waivers before Week 1 last season, but the Falcons took him ahead of Carolina. Gradkowski played in three games for Atlanta, with one start.
Gradkowski, 27, is the younger brother of Bruce Gradkowski, a backup quarterback who's played for several NFL teams.