Cowboys sign LB Keith Rivers | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Cowboys signed linebacker Keith Rivers to a one-year contract Wednesday. The Buffalo Bills released the former first-round draft pick on Feb. 17.

Bruce Carter, Rolando McClain and Justin Durant, who combined to start 28 games at linebacker for the Cowboys last season, all are free agents. The Cowboys hope to re-sign Durant and McClain, but both could test the market next week.

Rivers, who turns 29 before the start of the season, started only three games, played only 186 defensive snaps and made only 16 tackles for the Bills last season. He also played 60 special teams snaps.

The Cincinnati Bengals made Rivers the No. 9 overall pick in 2008. The strongside linebacker spent four seasons with the Bengals, two with the Giants and one with the Bills, making 291 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and seven pass breakups.