CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Here are the moves the Carolina Panthers should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday:

Make a run at safety Eric Weddle: A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Weddle is the same age (31) that Roman Harper was when the Panthers signed him to a two-year deal in 2014. Weddle knows the Carolina system, having played under it when Ron Rivera was the defensive coordinator for the Chargers from 2008 to 2010. Weddle also played under Carolina secondary coach Steve Wilks in San Diego from 2009 to 2011.

Sign a veteran, every-down DE: : And get one at a reasonably low cost. Perhaps that’s somebody like 2012 New York Jets first-round pick Quinton Coples, who already has been in for a physical, or Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants. The Panthers need one experienced end to blend with a group of young players -- and possibly a top draft pick -- headed by 2014 second-round pick Kony Ealy.

Sign a nickel corner: With Bene’ Benwikere expected to challenge for the every-down cornerback spot opposite Josh Norman and with Cortland Finnegan a free agent (if he doesn’t retire again), the Panthers need a nickel. They could bring Finnegan back. He has indicated he wouldn’t play for any team but Carolina. But they at least need to find an option before the draft.

Add depth on the offensive line: The starters are set for 2016, with the possible exception of 2015 draft pick Daryl Williams challenging Mike Remmers at right tackle. But the Panthers need to add depth at center and left tackle with Ryan Kalil nearing retirement age and Michael Oher in the last year of his deal. They won’t spend big bucks at either spot, so look for lower-end players who can be developed.

Save money for DT Kawann Short: General manager Dave Gettleman has built this roster through the draft and by signing core players to long-term deals. He needs to get 2015 Pro Bowl selection Short locked into a long-term deal before Short enters the last year of his rookie deal. It’s a formula that has worked.