The Detroit Lions have added another piece to the interior of their offensive line, signing former San Francisco 49ers guard Ben Bartch on Wednesday.
Bartch, 27, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was waived in October 2023 but landed with San Francisco one month later. Bartch made four starts over his two-plus years with the 49ers, allowing three pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Over 41 career appearances on offense, Bartch has recorded 912 snaps at left guard, 794 at right guard and 16 at center. He’s allowed five sacks since entering the NFL, according to PFF, including three during the 2021 season, when he started 11 contests at right guard.
Bartch, who played collegiately at the Division III level (Saint John’s University in Minnesota), has dealt with a handful of injuries throughout his career, including a dislocated knee in Week 5 of the 2022 season that ended his campaign. With the 49ers in 2025, Bartch suffered sprains to his ankle and foot.
The Lions have now signed three offensive linemen since the start of free agency, as Bartch joins center Cade Mays (Carolina Panthers) and offensive tackle Larry Borom (Miami Dolphins). Mays is Detroit’s new starter in the middle, and Borom is the favorite to play opposite Penei Sewell, though that could change if the Lions select a tackle in next month’s draft.
Interior offensive linemen currently on Detroit’s roster include Bartch, Mays, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Michael Niese, Colby Sorsdal and Seth McLaughlin. Also available is 2025 undrafted free agent Mason Miller, who saw opportunties at both guard and tackle during the preseason last year.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions add depth on offensive line with former 49ers guard Ben Bartch
Reporting by Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
