Linebacker Keith Rivers, who came to the New York Giants via a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, is returning to the team. Rivers, who will be 27 next season, has re-signed with the Giants.

Rivers started six games last season and played in 11, missing five games with injuries. He was Cincinnati's first-round pick in 2008, but has never played a full season and missed the entire 2011 season.

Rivers had 44 tackles for the Giants in 238 defensive snaps. He received a -3.8 grade from Pro Football Focus (+0.2 vs. run, -1.7 vs. pass).

[Thursday Giants' Free Agency Live Blog]

The Giants have made revamping their linebacking corps a priority. Since free agency began they have been linked to free-agent linebackers like Karlos Dansby, Jasper Brinkley and Rey Maualuga. With Rivers, who could compete for either the strong-side or middle linebacker spots, back in the fold you wonder if that interest will continue.

The Giants are also reportedly close to signing free-agent safety Ryan Mundy, and are working with offensive lineman David Diehl in an effort to lower his $4.475 million base salary.