Keith Rivers to Cowboys: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Free-agent linebacker Keith Rivers has reportedly signed a one-year contract to join the Dallas Cowboys. The team announced the move Thursday:

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The Cowboys signed free agent linebacker Keith Rivers to a one-year deal Wednesday evening, adding depth to a position that sorely needs it.

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Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reported the news Wednesday:

Rivers was released by Buffalo in February with one season left on a two-year contract after seeing his role diminish during the 2014 campaign.

The 28-year-old was the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft, but he didn't quite pan out in his initial NFL stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. He also spent time with the New York Giants before moving to Buffalo last offseason.

The Cowboys need help at linebacker and will have to hope Rivers is capable of contributing more than he did when he slid down the depth chart this last year.

Both Justin Durant and Rolando McClain played well for Dallas at linebacker in 2014, but they are free agents, along with Bruce Carter. Sean Lee is coming back from a torn ACL suffered in organized team activities last May.

America's Team relied on a balanced, explosive offense, headlined by savvy veteran quarterback Tony Romo and NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray, to win the NFC East. Murray is also on the open market, though, so it's all the more important for the Cowboys to upgrade the roster anywhere they can.

Help in the secondary and pass rush will also be necessary for Dallas to shore up a defensive unit that was 26th against the pass. Although Rivers' athleticism should help in coverage to a degree, he's never had truly steady work as an NFL starter.

Expectations should therefore be limited as to what the Cowboys will get out of their modest free-agent acquisition in Rivers.