Bills release linebacker Keith Rivers after one season

After less than a year under contract and an injury-marred second half of the season, the Buffalo Bills have released linebacker Keith Rivers.

Rivers, who started three games and appeared in nine others in 2014, had only 16 combined tackles for Buffalo after being leapfrogged on the depth chart by rookie Preston Brown.

With the expected return of Kiko Alonso, coupled with another likely change in schematic by Rex Ryan, Rivers is the odd man out in a squad that still has Nigel Bradham, Brown and Brandon Spikes. The Bills' D is expected to take on a look similar to the one under Mike Pettine in 2013, one that thrives on versatility.

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Marrone impressed with Kiko-less linebacker corps

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills linebacking corps was anything but a sure thing coming into this season, even before the injury to Kiko Alonso.

Despite the stellar play of the rookie in 2013, the unit was still adding two new pieces in Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers, and depth at the position was a concern. Alonso was slated to move into a new role as well, a transition that was likely to come with a learning curve.  

Alonso's season-ending knee injury further complicated things for new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, though coach Doug Marrone has been extremely pleased with the unit's performance thus far.

Bradham topping lists as Alonso's replacement

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The first thing to come out of Buffalo Bills fans' mouths Tuesday after hearing about the season-ending injury to Kiko Alonso -- besides profanity -- was likely, "So what now?"

The media was pondering the same question Wednesday, and the consensus seems to be 24-year-old Nigel Bradham.

Bradham, the team's fourth-round selection in 2012, had some pretty impressive numbers last season despite playing only 287 snaps. That, combined with his athleticism and tackling ability, looks to be drawing the former Seminole from the pack of probables on the roster.

Kiko Alonso excited to move outside in new scheme

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Seeing No. 50 in the middle of the action for the Buffalo Bills defense was commonplace last season.

In a rookie season that had Kiko Alonso involved in every single snap that the defense took, it's not hard to imagine why.

But things have changed this offseason, and with a new leader comes new bodies to the linebacking corps. Jim Schwartz runs a different ship than Mike Pettine, and he brought in a big body to prove it.

Plan for Bills' Rivers: Find a house, hit the art museum

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills linebacker Keith Rivers just got into town, but he already has his priorities set: find a home, then check out the art scene.

The 27-year-old newcomer was brought in to add some starting experience to a new 4-3 defensive scheme, aiming to work alongside sophomore Kiko Alonso and fellow transplant Brandon Spikes.

Rivers finished last season with 45 combined tackles and sack, taking 429 snaps and excelling against the run, according to ProFootballFocus.

Bills' nickel linebacker spot next to Kiko up for grabs

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

With a switch to a more traditional 4-3 scheme, the Buffalo Bills will be able to utilize their linebacking talent to hopefully execute a more efficient run-stopping scheme, an area in which the defense struggled in 2013.

But what happens when three linebackers on the field turns into two?

In talking with Tim Graham of the Buffalo News, coach Doug Marrone said Tuesday he's positive about one three-down linebacker on the roster, last year's Rookie of the Year finalist, Kiko Alonso. That second spot in nickel package, however, will be earned in the offseason.

Bills add Spikes, Rivers to help Kiko 'run and hit'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills had been planning to move second-year linebacker Kiko Alonso from the inside to the outside this coming season.

Their most recent moves will facilitate that in happening.

Buffalo signed former New England Patriots inside linebacker Brandon Spikes Friday to a one-year deal reportedly worth $3.25 million. Spikes hit the free agent market last Tuesday, but his departure from the Patriots was inevitable.

Bills shift focus to defense, sign Graham, Rivers

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

After addressing key needs on offense, general manager Doug Whaley shifted gears Tuesday afternoon and began focusing on the other side of the ball.

The team officially announced two acquisitions to its defensive squad -- linebacker Keith Rivers, formerly of the New York Giants, and cornerback Corey Graham from the Baltimore Ravens. The deals are for two and four years, respectively, and bring some depth in two much-needed positions for the Bills.

"Words can not describe how excited I am, it almost seems surreal," Graham said via Jeff Russo of WKBW in Buffalo. "As a kid I dreamed about one day playing for the Bills and to have this opportunity is a dream come true."