On the day the Kansas City Chiefs lost out on offensive tackle Victor Riley, they were able to keep one of their guards with the team on Thursday, reaching an agreement to retain unrestricted veteran Donald Willis.

The four-year veteran, who started four games at left guard in 2001, will sign a four-year contract but the financial details of the deal were not immediately available. Later in the day Kansas City officials found out that Riley, their starting right tackle, agreed to terms with New Orleans.

Willis, 28, is a powerful in-line blocker whose performance has improved every year over the last few seasons. The former North Carolina A&T standout has made himself into a solid player with his determination and perseverance. He has actually been in the league since 1995 but struggled to even make a roster early in his career, and has accrued just four accredited seasons.

But in Willis' three seasons with the Chiefs, he has become a special teams contributor and good backup at the interior line positions. He made a quantum leap last season, in part because he got the most extensive playing time of his career, and could challenge for a starting job in 2002.

Willis has played in 34 games and started six times. He entered the league with Seattle in '95 as an undrafted free agent. He was also with New Orleans for parts of three seasons, but appeared in only four games for the Saints, before joining the Chiefs in 1999.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.