The San Francisco 49ers have at least one starting job open on their offensive line, and they may have filled that spot for a bargain.
Aaron Banks is slated for unrestricted free agency and the 49ers may not want or be able bring him back at his market value. Finding quality starting options on inexpensive deals is going to start being the name of the team-building game for the 49ers with quarterback Brock Purdy due for an extension that will put him somewhere near the top of the QB market. That’s where Ben Bartch comes in.
The 49ers announced a one-year extension for Bartch in late February before he could hit the free agent market. He was their backup left guard last season, and he could be in line to start at that position this year after having his 2024 campaign cut short by a high ankle sprain. Details on Bartch’s contract from Over the Cap show how much of a win it would be for the 49ers if he’s a capable starter for them.
Per OTC, Bartch’s contract comes with a $1,170,000 base salary, a $142,500 prorated signing bonus and a $25,000 workout bonus. His guaranteed salary is $1,030,000 and his cap number comes in at a very reasonable $1,197,500.
This is a nice deal for Bartch, who entered the NFL in 2020 as a fourth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bartch was plucked off the Jags practice squad by the 49ers during the 2023 season. He worked his way up the depth chart in 2024 and played well enough to earn a new one-year deal.
For the 49ers this is a low-risk, high-reward contract. If Bartch starts, it’s a bargain for a starting left guard. If he remains a backup, it’s a small financial hit.
Don’t be surprised if we see San Francisco do this with a handful of their other lower-tier free agents. They need to get cheaper and retaining inexpensive players they’re familiar with could be key to re-opening their Super Bowl window.