Lions Strengthen Offensive Line by Signing Ex-49ers Guard Ben Bartch
The Detroit Lions added veteran guard Ben Bartch to their roster on Wednesday. He is 27 years old.
Bartch was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was waived in October 2023 and signed with the San Francisco 49ers a month later.
He made four starts during his two-plus seasons with San Francisco. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing three pressures in those starts.
Across 41 career offensive appearances, Bartch has 912 snaps at left guard and 794 at right guard. He also logged 16 snaps at center.
PFF lists him as responsible for five sacks since entering the NFL. Three of those sacks came during the 2021 season, when he started 11 games at right guard.
Bartch played college football at Division III Saint John’s University in Minnesota. His pro career has included multiple injuries, notably a dislocated knee in Week 5 of 2022 that ended his season.
With the 49ers in 2025, Bartch suffered sprains to his ankle and foot. Those injuries limited his availability.
The signing is the third offensive-line addition Detroit has made since free agency opened. Bartch joins center Cade Mays and tackle Larry Borom.
Mays arrives from the Carolina Panthers and is expected to start at center. Borom, most recently with the Miami Dolphins, is the leading candidate to play opposite Penei Sewell.
That projected alignment could change if the Lions select a tackle in next month’s draft. Detroit still plans to evaluate options and roster competition.
Interior depth chart
The club now lists several interior linemen on the roster. The group mixes veterans and developmental players.
- Ben Bartch
- Cade Mays
- Tate Ratledge
- Christian Mahogany
- Miles Frazier
- Juice Scruggs
- Michael Niese
- Colby Sorsdal
- Seth McLaughlin
Versatility and competition
Also available is 2025 undrafted free agent Mason Miller. He saw snaps at both guard and tackle during last year’s preseason.
The addition of Bartch helps the Lions strengthen their offensive line by adding an experienced, versatile ex-49ers guard. Filmogaz.com will monitor how he fits into Detroit’s plans.
