The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of needs coming off a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024 and that list could get bigger as free agency opens up next month. Left guard Aaron Banks is one of several players that could depart in free agency and the Niners have to work to find a replacement as they look to rebound in 2025.
A large chunk of the building could happen when the free agent period officially opens on March 13. But the 49ers were proactive as teams reported to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and may have signed a potential starter for their offensive line on Monday afternoon.
49ers Sign Ben Bartch To Become Potential Starter in 2025
According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with Ben Bartch. Barch, who will turn 27 in July, was set to become a free agent next month and will be a candidate to start for the 49ers at left guard if Banks signs elsewhere.
#49ers have signed G Ben Bartch, who was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) February 24, 2025
A fourth-round pick out of D-III St. John’s University (Minn.), Bartch began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was relegated to the practice squad during the 2023 season.
He was signed to the 49ers active roster midway through the year and has spent the remainder of his rookie contract in San Francisco, appearing in eight games (two starts) as a reserve over the past two seasons.
While Bartch hasn’t become a full-time starter, he’s been effective when called upon in San Francisco. In three games last season, Bartch posted an overall grade of 74.8, a pass blocking grade of 74.0 and a run blocking grade of 71.2 according to Pro Football Focus and Dave Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard also noted that Bartch ranked in the 93rd percentile in pass-blocking efficiency and in the 68th percentile in run-blocking efficiency.
Percentile scores of the 49ers' offensive line (pass-block efficiency and PFF run-block grade...
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 29, 2025
-Interior pass pro below average
-McKivitz ($6m) presents real value
-Ben Bartch, Nick Zakelj both took very intriguing strides
Full State of 49ers OL: https://t.co/pc28QqKTuD pic.twitter.com/rbesmhCWGH
Both numbers were an upgrade over Banks, who was in the 43rd percentile in pass-blocking efficiency and 63rd percentile in run-blocking efficiency last year. But Bartch has a real chance to start based on the 49ers current guard situation.
Banks is likely to leave in free agency while Jon Feliciano retired earlier this offseason. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows listed Dominick Puni, Spencer Buford, Nick Zakelj and Zack Johnson as the guards on the Niners’ roster after Feliciano’s retirement and correctly labeled re-signing Bartch as a possibility.
Trent Williams is planning to return at left tackle for the 49ers next season and Puni is slated at right guard after a strong rookie season. Colton McKivitz and Jake Brendel are projected to remain at right tackle and center respectively, giving Bartch a chance at starting at left guard in 2025.