Archer: Cowboys sign LB Keith Rivers

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have multiple linebacker needs but filled one of them by signing Keith Rivers to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

Rivers was cut by the Buffalo Bills on Feb. 17 after signing a two-year deal worth $5 million with the club in 2014. He started three games last season and played in 12 but recorded just 16 tackles as his playing time decreased dramatically late in the year.

The Cowboys have three free-agent linebackers in Rolando McClain, Justin Durant and Bruce Carter. While the signing does not preclude any from coming back it might affect Carter the most because Rivers is a strong-side linebacker.

The Cowboys have had discussions with the agents for McClain and Durant about returning but both could test the market when it opens next week

Rivers, who turns 29 in May, was a first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 and spent two years with the New York Giants (2012-13) before joining the Bills. For his career he has 291 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.

My dude....

he is nice depth but that is all. If anyone gets the most out of their defensive players its definitely Marinelli though.

There is a reason a once top draft choice like Rivers bounces around the league every season. I would be surprised if he makes it out of camp, honestly.

Feh.

Maybe we know Carter is gone and are taking a shot in the dark on an ultra athletic, former top pick on the off chance that he can give us a little of what Carter gave us.

Considering the health issues at LB I like this kind of low end gamble on a vet.

Can't be any worse than Bobby Carpenter.

If Rolando McClain can turn into a star in Marinelli's defense I'm not gonna discount any JAG we pick up. Who knows maybe he'll be making huge plays when all of our LBers are on IR.