Bills sign LB Keith Rivers

[Ed]

According to James Walker of ESPN. 2 years, 5 million.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10...k-corey-graham

[DesertFox24]

This is pure depth signing looking like 2 years 5 million.

Mike Rodak ‏@mikerodak4 minsPer @JamesWalkerNFL, the Bills have agreed to a 2-year, $5 million contract with LB Keith Rivers

[Buffalo Thriller]

Championship!!!

[coastal]

Moats replacemtn

[Night Train]

He can play.

[gonzo1105]

Pretty apparent that the Bills goal this offseason was to add quality backup depth and to add guys who could play ST's.

[Ed]

Pretty apparent that the Bills goal this offseason was to add quality backup depth and to add guys who could play ST's.

I don't mind some quality depth. It at least gives us more flexibility in the draft.

[X-Era]

Moats replacemtn

I agree. I like it due to the low cost, adding to the ST's, and the fact that he's a true LB instead of a converted DE.

[Buffalogic]

All about it. Good, low cost gamble.

[Ed]

So what's Rivers story? I see he was a top 10 pick in 2008, but obviously didn't live up to expectations. What were his issues?

[X-Era]

We're now at 5.5- 7.5 mill in cap room if we save 6 mill for rookies.

That's my guess.

Still enough for Spikes or Oher but probably not both without another move.

[The last buffalo fan]

Career Stats more
Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2013	New York Giants	16	8	45	23	22	1.0	--	1	--	--	0.0	--	--	0
2012	New York Giants	11	6	44	34	10	0.0	--	1	--	--	0.0	--	--	0
2010	Cincinnati Bengals	15	13	77	51	26	1.0	--	2	--	--	0.0	--	--	0
2009	Cincinnati Bengals	13	13	72	46	26	1.0	--	2	1	0	0.0	0	0	0
2008	Cincinnati Bengals	7	7	37	24	13	0.0	--	1	1	39	39.0	39	0	1
TOTAL				275	178	97	3.0	0	7	2	39	--	39	0	1

http://www.nfl.com/player/keithrivers/302/profile


Are we taking about this guy?

[X-Era]

Polian gives him a C:

A veteran OLB with speed, instincts and short-area burst to the ball, Rivers is decent as a cover linebacker, but strength and consistent punch are lacking.

PFF has him down in the 20's but above Daryl Smith and Vilma:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...t-linebackers/

[Ed]

We're now at 5.5- 7.5 mill in cap room if we save 6 mill for rookies.

That's my guess.

Still enough for Spikes or Oher but probably not both without another move.

If they did sign Oher it would make sense to release Pears.

[gonzo1105]

We're now at 5.5- 7.5 mill in cap room if we save 6 mill for rookies.

That's my guess.

Still enough for Spikes or Oher but probably not both without another move.

Yea but who knows the way the contracts are structured. Just because it averages 2.5 million a season doesnt mean that they are paying 2.5 million this year. If that was the case, how did the Saints with their cap situation manage to sign Byrd for 9 a year. I would suspect its a low first year with a bigger 2nd year. Just my opinion.

[X-Era]

If they did sign Oher it would make sense to release Pears.

On the surface. But if you're a fan of depth like I am I'd keep Pears and force Hairston to beat him out for the backup spot.

[more cowbell]

He ranked 11th among OLBs against the run last season according to PFF. My guess is he is going to start or compete to start and Kiko is staying in the middle.

[X-Era]

Graham is saying half is guaranteed.

[Buffalogic]

I think it was Hines Ward who clobbered Rivers in his rookie season and busted his jaw so badly that they put him on IR. His career hasn't gone the way anyone had predicted, but I don't think the book is closed on this guy.

[gonzo1105]

Graham is saying half is guaranteed.

That means that if half is guaranteed that means that 2.5 only costs against the salary cap. That means your lookin at more of the cost of 1.25 a year for him after giving him the bonus