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. 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.

SANTA CLARA – Ben Bartch, a potential starting offensive lineman, re-signed with the 49ers on Monday, two weeks ahead of the NFL’s free agency window. Whether or not Bartch vies for a starting role, the 49ers sought that option as they face the prospect of losing left guard Aaron Banks and swing tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency.

Bartch was a 2020 fourth-round pick of the Jaguars and he came to the 49ers after being signed off Jacksonville's practice squad in 2023. He has appeared in eight games and made t