The Detroit Lions have made it a mission to improve their interior offensive line, which was the weakest area last season. After releasing Graham Glasgow, Detroit signed Cade Mays and acquired Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans. The interior now features several young players, including Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, and Scruggs, all of whom have played fewer than four seasons in the league. The Lions prefer to bring in more experienced players to serve as depth pieces.
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Detroit Lions improve O-line depth, land 24-game starter
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Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ben Bartch (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
According to Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle, the Lions have signed Ben Bartch, “Smoothie King,” to a contract after visiting with the team last week. He is on his third team after spending 2020 to part of 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the rest of 2023 through 2025 with the San Francisco 49ers. Bartch brings experience and depth with 24 starts across 58 games in his first six seasons in the league.
News: Former #49ers guard Ben Bartch, a 2025 season-opening starter, signing with Lions https://t.co/dlF8ckcvVc pic.twitter.com/gTvxzAUbeV
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) March 25, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 season
San Francisco 49ers, Ben bartch
Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ben Bartch (78) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Bartch won the starting left guard job in training camp before suffering two injuries, which caused him to miss most of the season and lose the starting gig. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 that kept him out of the following seven games. Bartch returned in Week 10 and alternated at left guard during the next four games. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending foot sprain in Week 13, limiting him to six games, two starts, and 200 offensive snaps.