Cowboys sign LB Keith Rivers to one-year deal

The Dallas Cowboys have signed linebacker Keith Rivers to a one-year deal.

The Dallas Cowboys have signed linebacker Keith Rivers to a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.

The Buffalo Bills released Rivers on Feb. 17 after he spent the 2014 season with them. In 12 games (three starts), Rivers recorded 16 tackles after signing a two-year deal with the team.

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A former first-round draft pick, Rivers spent the 2012-13 seasons with the New York Giants after beginning his career with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008-10.

Over the course of his career, Rivers has played in 74 games and recorded 291 tackles with three sacks, seven pass deflections and two interceptions.

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The Cowboys have three linebackers set to hit free agency on March 10 in Bruce Carter, Justin Durant and Rolando McClain. Earlier this week, the team issued its franchise tag on wide receiver Dez Bryant, paying him $12.8 million for 2015.

The Cowboys' defense finished 19th last season, allowing 355.1 yards per game. Dallas finished 12-4 and reached the NFC divisional playoffs before losing to the Green Bay Packers.

- Mike Fiammetta