Having acknowledged this week that they were perilously thin at linebacker, the Detroit Lions addressed one of their most glaring deficiencies by reaching an agreement with unrestricted free agent Wali Rainer, ESPN.com has learned.

Rainer, 25, will sign a two-year contract that is worth $1.83 million and includes a signing bonus of $475,000 and base salaries of $530,000 and $750,000. There is also a $75,000 roster bonus in 2004.

Detroit's addition of Rainer, who played last season for the Jacksonville Jaguars after spending the first three years of his career with the Cleveland Browns, somewhat softens the blow of losing starting middle linebacker Chris Claiborne in free agency last month. Even so, the Lions still need further reinforcements at the position and could still sign another veteran or use a high-round draft choice on a linebacker.

It is anticipated that Rainer will play middle linebacker, the spot in which he's best suited, although Lions coach Steve Mariucci spoke at this week's mini-camp about moving Barrett Green from the weakside to the middle.

Despite starting 14 games for the Jags in 2002, Rainer was not ardently pursued to re-sign with Jacksonville under its new coaching staff. He did draw interest from a few teams, most recently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but considered the opportunity in Detroit a good one.

The former University of Virginia standout has been a starter each of his four NFL seasons. He has 624 career tackles (188 last season), fours sacks and an interception. Rainer does not have great range but is a solid player between the tackles and a good defender against the run.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.