The Buffalo Bills released veteran linebacker Keith Rivers on Tuesday. A Week 1 starter last season, Rivers saw his role virtually evaporate by midseason after a groin injury and the emergence of third-round rookie Preston Brown. Rivers, 28, signed a two-year deal with the Bills last offseason. Releasing Rivers means the Bills will save $1.7 million against their 2015 salary cap but will have a $500,000 dead money charge. He played in 17 percent of defensive snaps last season, recording 16 tackles. The Bills are well-stocked at linebacker entering next season. In addition to Brown, they have Nigel Bradham and Kiko Alonso vying for starting roles in Rex Ryan's defense. The Bills might also re-sign Brandon Spikes, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Rivers was a first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 and has also played for the New York Giants.
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