With free agency progressing into its third week, the Detroit Lions continued to address their offensive line. On Wednesday, the team added veteran interior offensive lineman Ben Bartch.
The Lions announced the signing on social media and their team website. The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett and ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported the signing.
“The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed unrestricted free agent OL Ben Bartch. Contract terms were not disclosed,” stated an article from Detroitlions.com.
“Bartch comes to Detroit in his seventh NFL season after splitting his career with the San Francisco 49ers (2023-25) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-23).”
In his six NFL seasons, Bartch has appeared in 55 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. During his second season in 2021, he started 11 games for the Jaguars.
Last season, he played six contests, starting two of them for San Francisco.
The financial details of Bartch’s contract with Detroit were initially undisclosed. The veteran lineman has earned $7.7 million over his NFL career according to Spotrac.
Lions Sign Offensive Lineman Ben Bartch
Detroit added Bartch a little more than a week after the veteran lineman visited the team.
Crunch Time Sports reported the details of Bartch’s visit with the Lions, which occurred on March 16.
Bartch has played in 55 NFL games and started in 24 of them during his 6 seasons in the NFL 👀
Last season he started in 2 games at LG for the 49ers #OnePride
Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman described Bartch as a “fascinating player” because of his experience in Division-III football.
Bartch began his collegiate career as a tight end. After significant weight and strength gain, he then switched to left tackle.
“Converted tight end who has added 75 pounds of good weight since stepping on campus but retained his plus movement,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein during his draft evaluation. “Despite a lack of experience and small-school background, his traits and rapid growth in body and play caught the eye of Senior Bowl evaluators.”
Zierlein projected Bartch to be a third-round pick. The Jaguars landed him at No. 116 overall in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.
In the NFL, Bartch transitioned to guard. He became a regular starter in his second season, but injuries prevented him from reaching his potential.
Most of Bartch’s NFL experience has come at guard. Last season, he took 195 snaps at left guard and five at right according to Pro Football Focus.
Bartch played 16 snaps at center in 2023.
How Bartch Fits With the Lions
The Lions are transforming their offensive line this offseason. They released center Graham Glasgow and left tackle Taylor Decker early in March.
Since then, the Lions have seemingly taken the approach of adding as many depth linemen as possible.
In the David Montgomery trade, Detroit acquired guard Juice Scruggs. Then in free agency, the Lions signed center Cade Mays and tackle Larry Borom.
Many pundits, though, still think Detroit’s biggest offensive line addition is coming in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
While that upgrade could still arrive, the Lions have a full linemen depth chart. That could give Bartch stiff competition for playing time in Detroit.
In addition to Bartch, Lions also have Miles Frazier, Michael Niese, Seth McLaughlin and Mason Miller as depth interior linemen. Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge entered the offseason as the projected starting guards for the Lions next season.
Lions Add ‘Fascinating’ $7 Million Player With Starting Experience