IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions today, just in time to beat a deadline that would've changed how the money is spread over the salary cap.

But it wasn't cheap.

Barber 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."

Newman's deal is a six-year extension. Since he had one year left on his original contract, that means he's also locked up through 2014, just like Barber. His contract is worth more than $50 million.

The urgency to get both deals done stemmed from NFL owners voting unanimously today to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. Deals signed after 3 p.m. today would've had to follow different rules.

Since the Cowboys were expected to keep both players, the sense of urgency helped get the deals done. It also means both players can arrive for offseason workouts with big smiles — and lots of spending money.

"Marion said he was happy Terence Newman also signed because it would deflect some of the ribbing he's going to get from his teammates," Rosenhaus said.