The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed offensive lineman Ben Bartch to a one-year contract for 2025, a move that positions him to compete for the starting job at left guard next season, reported by 49ers. The decision was made just before Bartch would have entered the free agent market at the start of the new league year, ensuring that the team retains his services as they prepare for an intense offseason.
According to reports, “The San Francisco 49ers signed offensive lineman Ben Bartch to a one-year contract for 2025 that likely puts him in the mix to compete for the starting job at left guard next season.” This signing is particularly significant given that the 49ers are facing multiple challenges along their offensive line. With Aaron Banks potentially heading to free agency, Bartch’s re-signing is expected to strengthen the battle for the left guard position, an area that will require considerable depth and competition.
Team insiders explained, “The Niners locked up Bartch with a new deal on Monday before he was set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year next month.” Bartch had a limited role after joining the team midway through the 2023 season. Nevertheless, his performance in the few opportunities he received was promising enough to earn him a spot in the team’s plans for the coming season.
Despite playing sparingly, “Bartch played sparingly since joining San Francisco midway through the 2023 season, but showed enough to be part of the team’s plans as the 49ers will likely need a new starter at left guard with Aaron Banks headed to free agency.”
His previous experience includes starting two games last season—first in a loss at Buffalo, and then in another contest where he had to leave early due to a high ankle sprain that ultimately sidelined him for the season’s final month. His journey in professional football began when Jacksonville drafted him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. “Bartch started two games last season, faring well in a loss at Buffalo and then leaving early the following week with a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for the final month of the season.”
Later, “Bartch was drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. He started 20 games for the Jaguars before getting waived midway through the 2023 season. He then signed with San Francisco where he has mostly been a backup and special teams player.”
The 49ers are currently focused on bolstering their offensive line, a critical need after challenges in creating running lanes and protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. “Bolstering the offensive line is a major need for the 49ers this offseason after the team struggled to open holes in the running game, especially in short-yardage situations, and allowed too much pressure on Brock Purdy.”
With additional concerns over the health of starting left tackle Trent Williams and the need to upgrade positions despite rookie Dominick Puni’s impressive performance at right guard, the team’s management is exploring every option. “The Niners are hoping to get starting left tackle Trent Williams back healthy after he missed seven games with injuries last season. Dominick Puni excelled at right guard as a rookie but San Francisco could look to upgrade at the other three spots.”
As the new season looms, the re-signing of Bartch underscores the 49ers’ commitment to addressing key areas of weakness and preparing for the challenges ahead.