On the morning the Broncos’ voluntary offseason conditioning program kicked off, cornerback Tony Carter put pen to paper.

Carter signed his exclusive-rights free agent tender Monday, one of four players to sign their tenders in the past week, joining Mitch Unrein, Chris Clark and Lance Ball.

Carter had a breakout season with the team last year, setting career highs in every category — 24 tackles, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns — in 15 regular-season games.

Tony Carter has been waiting for an opportunity like Monday night.

Waiting might be the wrong word.

Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2009, the Florida State product hasn’t stopped working.

“Hard work, just being ready when the opportunity comes,” Carter said.

In 2012, his opportunity has arrived.

After three seasons on and off of practice squads with Denver and New England, Carter made the Broncos’ active roster out of training camp. He has played in all six games so far this season, and on Monday against the Chargers, was on the field for more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps.

He took advantage, grabbing his first career interception and returning a fumble 65 yards for his first career defensive touchdown in the 35-24 win.

“It was a great team win,” Carter said. “For me, there was a little icing on the cake (with) Monday Night Football, getting a great opportunity.”

The Broncos on Tuesday made a handful of transactions, including signing cornerback Tony Carter to the active roster and waiving safety Kyle McCarthy. In addition, linebacker Derek Domino was waived/injured.

Carter, who was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 30, started his NFL career with the Broncos. Denver signed the 5-foot-9, 175-pound cornerback out of Florida State as a college free agent in 2009. He spent that entire season with the Broncos, splitting time between the practice squad and active roster. He’s seen action in four games — including one start — over his three-year career with Denver (2009) and New England (2010). He also competed with Minnesota during training camp this fall.