Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys have agreed to terms with linebacker Dan Connor, formerly of the Panthers.

In Dallas, Connor will reunite with fellow Penn State alumnus Sean Lee. Lee and Connor figure to be Dallas’ 2012 starting inside linebackers, with Connor likely being replaced by Bruce Carter in nickel alignments.

The No. 36 overall free agent on the PFT Hot 100, Connor is a run-stopping linebacker who should prove a significant upgrade on Bradie James.

James and Keith Brooking, the Cowboys’ starting inside linebackers to open last season, are free agents and won’t be back in Dallas.