The Detroit Lions have wasted no time reinforcing their offensive line this offseason, officially announcing the signing of veteran guard Ben Bartch on March 25, 2026. The move marks another significant addition to a unit that has seen both notable departures and fresh faces in recent months, reflecting a clear determination from the Lions’ front office and coaching staff to restore the team’s competitive edge in the trenches.
Bartch, 27, brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for versatility. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bartch’s professional journey has been anything but straightforward. After cutting his teeth at the Division III level with Saint John’s University in Minnesota—a rare feat for NFL prospects—he entered the league as something of an underdog. But as history has shown, Bartch has never shied away from a challenge.
His NFL tenure began in Jacksonville, where he played 41 games and started 11 at right guard in his second year. That 2021 campaign saw Bartch allow three sacks, according to Pro Football Focus, but also cemented his reputation as a player capable of handling both guard spots and even center in a pinch. Across his career, he has logged 912 snaps at left guard, 794 at right guard, and 16 at center—demonstrating a flexibility that’s sure to appeal to Detroit’s coaching staff.
Bartch’s time in Jacksonville, however, was marred by injuries and shifting team needs. In 2022, just five games into the season after earning the starting left guard role, he suffered a dislocated knee that ended his year prematurely. The following season, after a difficult stretch and further injury setbacks, Bartch was waived in October 2023. The San Francisco 49ers quickly picked him up, and he spent parts of the next two seasons with the NFC West powerhouse.
With San Francisco, Bartch saw action in 14 regular season games and three postseason contests, making four starts over two-plus years. Pro Football Focus notes that he allowed just three pressures in those starts—a testament to his steady play when healthy. Unfortunately, injuries continued to haunt him, including an ankle and foot sprain in 2025 that limited him to just six games that year.
Despite his struggles with durability, Bartch’s potential remains intriguing. His 24 career NFL starts—split between 11 at right guard and 13 at left guard—underscore his ability to step in wherever needed. The Lions, who hosted Bartch for a free agency visit earlier this month, clearly saw enough to bring him aboard for what promises to be a fierce competition along the interior line.
Detroit’s offensive line overhaul comes in the wake of a disappointing 2025 season, in which the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. The Lions responded by parting ways with longtime veterans Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Decker, the team’s former left tackle, requested his release—a move the front office was prepared for, given ongoing discussions. Glasgow’s departure further opened the door for a new generation of blockers.
To address these vacancies and inject fresh energy, Detroit has been active in free agency and the trade market. Alongside Bartch, the team has signed center Cade Mays from the Carolina Panthers and offensive tackle Larry Borom from the Miami Dolphins. Juice Scruggs, acquired via trade, adds further depth and competition to the mix. The Lions’ current roster of interior linemen reads like a who’s who of up-and-coming talent: Bartch, Mays, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Michael Niese, Colby Sorsdal, and Seth McLaughlin. Mason Miller, a 2025 undrafted free agent with experience at both guard and tackle, also remains in the fold after showing promise during last year’s preseason.
The competition for starting roles will be intense. Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge are widely considered favorites to secure two of the three interior spots, but Bartch’s arrival throws an intriguing wrench into the equation. According to multiple reports, Bartch could go head-to-head with Mahogany for a starting guard position this fall. Miles Frazier, Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese, and Colby Sorsdal round out a deep group that should keep everyone on their toes throughout training camp.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has made no secret of his desire to foster a competitive environment this offseason. “I just want to make sure, man, we go after it,” Campbell said after the 2025 season. “And I’m not saying we weren’t hungry, but let’s get that hunger back and we’re going to bring in some guys to compete. That’s the thing, man. We need competition in a lot of areas, man, cause that brings out the best in players, whether it’s with some of the guys that were here or the guys that we bring in. That’s how you elevate the roster.”
Campbell’s approach is already evident in the team’s personnel moves. Penei Sewell, a three-time All-Pro and a mainstay at right tackle, may shift to the left side to replace Decker, further emphasizing the Lions’ willingness to adapt and maximize their talent. Tate Ratledge, meanwhile, appears locked in at right guard, but the rest of the line remains very much in flux—a situation that should make for one of the most compelling position battles in the NFC North this summer.
While most of the focus has been on the offensive line, the Lions have also made waves elsewhere on the roster. Notably, the team traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans after a season in which his touches declined in favor of rising star Jahmyr Gibbs. General manager Brad Holmes spoke candidly about the move on the “Lions Collective” podcast: “It was pretty—it was evident that there were less touches that he had last season. And look, a lot of it is not just him. It’s how Jahmyr (Gibbs) has ascended. So me and David’s agent, we all had, and David, we all had really healthy dialogue. We just kind of thought it was best for all parties.” Holmes added, “But that’s going to be not only a loss of just the player, but he was such an impact on our locker room from a leadership standpoint, our culture. It was all healthy dialogue. There was never any bad blood or anything. And I think it worked out well for both parties.”
For Bartch, the move to Detroit represents both a fresh start and a chance to finally realize the promise that made him a mid-round draft pick six years ago. If he can stay healthy and recapture the form that once made him a starter in Jacksonville and San Francisco, he could become a key contributor on a Lions team determined to return to playoff contention. With fierce competition and a renewed sense of urgency, all eyes will be on Detroit’s offensive line as the offseason unfolds.
As the dust settles on a busy March, one thing is clear: the Detroit Lions are not content to stand pat. With Bartch and a host of new faces vying for spots, the battle up front is only just beginning—and the outcome could shape the team’s fortunes for the 2026 season and beyond.