IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions Tuesday, just in time to beat a deadline that would've changed how the money is spread over the salary cap.
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It wasn't cheap, though, costing Jerry Jones roughly $95 million.
At least he knows he'll have both players through 2014.
Newman's deal is a six-year extension to the final year left on his initial contract. It's worth more than $50 million, with a $12 million signing bonus and $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years.
Barber, a restricted free agent, received a $45 million, seven-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. It's worth $21 million over the first three years, all of which puts him in the salary range of LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson -- heady stuff for a guy whose only career start came in his last game.
"He kept repeating the numbers over and over," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He sat there at least an extra 20 minutes after we got the deal done in a state of shock."
The urgency to get both deals done stemmed from NFL owners voting unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. Deals signed after 3 p.m. Tuesday would've had to follow different rules.
Because the Cowboys were expected to keep both players, the sense of urgency helped get the deals done.
"It's going to be a little more complicated for teams to negotiate contracts going forward," Rosenhaus said. "It was nice to get a good deal and not have to worry about dealing with the new system we're going to have. It was a plus for both sides to get a deal done."
Barber led the NFC in rushing touchdowns two seasons ago, then made an even bigger impression on the club last season despite backing up Julius Jones. His powerful style has earned him the nickname "Marion the Barbarian" and made him a fan favorite. And a Pro Bowl selection.
He ran for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, plus had 44 catches for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Acknowledging he would be the starter in 2008, the Cowboys moved him into the lineup for a playoff game against the New York Giants. He responded with a career-high 129 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 27 carries.
Barber split carries in college at Minnesota and with Jones his first three seasons. Despite the big bucks, he still won't carry the full load as Dallas used its top draft pick on speedy Felix Jones of Arkansas.
But Barber isn't being paid like a part-timer. Tomlinson is the only running back with more guaranteed money. It's also millions more than Atlanta paid Michael Turner, an unrestricted free agent.
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