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.

With Aaron Banks also set to hit free agency, Bartch does provide the 49ers with some continuity at left guard. Depending on how the offseason plays out, the veteran could actually be penciled in atop the depth chart heading into the 2025 season.

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.