The Detroit Lions on Monday solidified their offensive line, ESPN.com has learned, by reaching agreement to retain unrestricted free agent guard Tony Semple, who tied a career high with 12 starts in 2001.

Details of the agreement, which was still being committed to contract language Monday evening, were not yet available. But the Lions, and in particular coach Marty Mornhinweg, waged a strong campaign over the past week to keep Semple with the team.

The seven-year veteran visited with Washington officials about 10 days ago. He was ardently courted by the Redskins and received a contract offer. But he deemed the offer insufficient and, when the Lions accelerated negotiations, the tide turned back to Detroit. Several times over the past few days the bargaining nearly broke down, but there remained the mutual goal of keeping Semple with the team that brought him into the league.

Semple, 31, was a versatile backup during the first four seasons of his career, playing in all but one contest over that period, but starting just five times. In the last three years, however, Semple has become a more valuable member of the Lions' offensive line and has 32 starts.

The former Memphis State standout, an effective in-line blocker for the run and efficient pass protector, started 12 games at left guard last year. Keeping him was considered by the Lions to be an offseason priority, especially given the young composition of the Detroit offensive line, and the leadership role Semple has taken with the unit's less experienced players.

For his career, Semple has played in 101 games and started 37 of them.