Former 49ers OL Ben Bartch signs with Lions

Bartch entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick (116th overall) out of Saint John's (MN) in 2020, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent his first three-plus seasons in Jacksonville, appearing in 41 games before the 49ers signed him off the Jaguars' practice squad on November 21, 2023.

Bartch remained with the 49ers through the 2024 season and signed a one-year contract extension on February 24, 2025.

During the 2025 season, Bartch appeared in 6 games and made 2 starts. He had two stints on injured reserve, the latest coming in early December due to a foot injury. It was the second straight year his season ended on injured reserve. Over six NFL seasons, Bartch has appeared in 55 games and started 24.