Detroit Lions Sign Offensive Lineman Ben Bartch
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced Wednesday they have signed unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Ben Bartch, bolstering their depth on the offensive line. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Bartch, entering his seventh NFL season, joins the Lions after spending the previous three seasons (2023-2025) with the San Francisco 49ers and the first four seasons (2020-2023) with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was originally drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Saint John’s University in Minnesota. Detroit Lions.
Bartch’s Career Overview
Throughout his NFL career, Bartch has appeared in 55 games, making 24 starts. Detroit Lions. He initially struggled to find consistent playing time, battling injuries that hampered his development. He started 11 games at right guard for the Jaguars in 2021, but a dislocated knee in 2022 ended his season prematurely. Pride of Detroit.
With the 49ers, Bartch saw action in 14 games over the last three seasons, starting four. Ankle and foot sprains limited his availability in 2024 and 2025. Pride of Detroit.
Impact on the Lions Offensive Line
Bartch’s arrival adds depth to a Lions offensive line that already features established starters. The Lions have Cade Mays and Tate Ratledge likely holding down two of the three starting roles, and Bartch will compete with Juice Scruggs, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese, and Colby Sorsdal for playing time. Pride of Detroit.
He has experience playing both right and left guard, starting 13 games at left guard recently, which could prove valuable for the Lions. Pride of Detroit.
Ben Bartch’s Background
Prior to his professional career, Bartch played college football at Saint John’s University (Minnesota), a Division III program. He was not heavily recruited out of high school, where he played receiver, tight end, and linebacker at Blanchet Catholic School in Oregon. Wikipedia.
Bartch was born on July 22, 1998, in McMinnville, Oregon, and is currently 27 years classic. Wikipedia.
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