AP source: Cowboys agree with QB Orton, CB Carr

The Dallas Cowboys have already accomplished two of their primary goals in free agency, upgrading their secondary and getting a veteran backup quarterback.

Cornerback Brandon Carr agreed Wednesday to a five-year deal with Dallas, and Kyle Orton to a three-year deal to be Tony Romo's backup, a person with knowledge of the decisions said. Both played last season in Kansas City.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the deals.

Dallas also signed unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to the player's agent, Dennis Boyev. Terms of Bernadeau's deal weren't available.

Carr was one of Dallas' top targets. Team officials visited with him at Cowboys Stadium within hours after the free agency period began Tuesday afternoon.

A fifth-round pick in 2008 by the Chiefs, Carr had 45 tackles and a career-high four interceptions last season. Carr, who turns 26 in May, started every game for the Chiefs the past four years.

The deal with Carr came a day after two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman, a starter all nine of his seasons in Dallas, was released by the Cowboys.

Orton finished last season in Kansas City after being released by Denver. The Chiefs needed a quarterback after a season-ending injury to starter Matt Cassel

Jon Kitna, Romo's primary backup the last two years, retired after last season. Quarterback Stephen McGee is going into the final year of his contract with the Cowboys.

The 39-year-old Kitna appeared in only three games last year after starting the final 10 games in 2010 when Romo broke his collarbone.

After Kitna injured his back last fall, the Cowboys unsuccessfully tried to claim Orton off waivers following his release by the Broncos. There was no room in Denver for Orton when the Broncos decided to go with Tim Tebow as their starter.

Orton has started 69 of his 71 NFL games over six seasons with Chicago (2005-08), Denver (2010-11) and the Chiefs. He has completed 1,284 of 2,204 passes (58 percent) for 14,532 yards with 80 touchdowns and 57 interceptions.

The 6-foot-4, 308-pound Bernadeau has started 20 games and played in 47 over the past four seasons for the Panthers at guard. However, after starting 12 games in 2010 he was replaced in the starting lineup at right guard and started only one game last season.

Bernadeau, 26, is entering his fifth season in the league out of Bentley College

"They brought him in to be a starting guard," Boyev said. "He's really thankful for his time in Carolina. It's a team that took a chance on a kid who came from a Division II college, so he's grateful for that."

Another Panthers unrestricted free agent, linebacker Dan Connor, is also visiting with the Cowboys this week.

AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, N.C. contributed to this report.