Ben Bartch
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Kyle Shanahan revealed that Ben Bartch is going to miss time for the 49ers with an ankle injury
For the San Francisco 49ers, the offensive line has had a revolving door this offseason. GM John Lynch has been involved in contract disputes, made signings, and let free agents walk. Speaking of letting free agents walk, another veteran offensive lineman, who has spent the last three seasons with the Niners, is on the cusp of potentially joining a new team.
According to insider Dave Birkett, the Detroit Lions are hosting six-year veteran Ben Bartch on a visit on Tuesday. As Detroit searches for more help along the trenches, Bartch could be a versatile option.
The Losses Are Outweighing the Gains for the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during an NFL game.
Getty49ers GM John Lynch is entering his 10th season with the team.
The Niners are one of the elite NFL teams that also pride themselves on strength in the trenches. Part of the reason why they have had so much success on offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan is the offensive line. But this offseason, the team decided to let free-agent guard Spencer Burford search for a new team. Also, and perhaps most importantly, the team is in yet another contract dispute with 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams.
While the organization did agree to terms with former Eagles offensive lineman Brett Toth on a one-year deal, it is clear that the offensive line could be an area of interest for Lynch, Shanahan, and Co. Furthermore, with the fragility of franchise quarterback Brock Purdy, addressing the offensive line is all the more significant.
Elite Offensive Line Play is Part of Super Bowl Blueprint
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on during an NFL game.
Getty49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is searching for his first Super Bowl win.
For most teams to reach the promised land and hoist a Lombardi Trophy, the quarterback needs to be protected. Plus, the running game needs to be moving and grooving. All of that starts with the offensive line.
For context, the 49ers’ arch-rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, took home the Super Bowl this past season. Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold, in his first season with the team, was one of the league’s best performers. He was also sacked 27 times, which put him in the bottom half of the league as it pertained to the league’s most sacked quarterbacks. Also, former Seahawks running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker recorded a career-high 1,309 scrimmage yards.
Seattle’s arguably two most important offensive pieces were taken care of because the offensive line performed at a high level. This is what the Niners are trying to do. As good as All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is, he is set to turn 30 years of age this summer. Purdy’s health is a concern from time to time, too. The offensive line performing at a high level is essential to the success of San Francisco’s offense.
Now, losing a player like Bartch, who started just four games for the 49ers over parts of three seasons, may not be a killer. However, losing him, along with potentially Burford and maybe even Williams, could ultimately add up to a catastrophe for the Niners if things move in that direction.