This 49ers Free Agent Cannot Be in Their Plans Anymore

By Parker Hurley | 9 Hours Ago

The San Francisco 49ers have had to make some tough decisions this offseason, and one of those may involve Ben Bartch, the left guard who has failed to live up to expectations. Bartch was originally projected to be the starter for the 2025 season, but after playing just 200 snaps in 2024, his future with the team is now in question. Given his history of injuries and lackluster performance, is it time for the 49ers to cut ties with Bartch and look for a fresh solution at left guard?

The Case for Moving On from Ben Bartch

The San Francisco 49ers went into the 2025 season with high hopes for Ben Bartch, expecting him to lock down the left guard position. However, the decision to have Bartch as the starter didn’t pan out as planned. Despite logging 598 snaps from 2022-2024, Bartch’s inconsistent performance and injury struggles limited him to just 200 snaps in 2024.

Now, as a free agent, the 49ers have a clear decision to make. The case to retain Bartch seems rather unconvincing. With just 798 career snaps in four seasons and a long history of injuries, Bartch doesn’t have much to offer in terms of starting potential. While the 49ers could bring him back for depth, it’s clear that he shouldn’t be part of their long-term plans. The left guard position remains a critical hole on the offensive line, and bringing back a player who has shown limited durability and unimpressive performance would be a step backward.

The Depth Argument: Is Bartch Worth It?

While there’s a possibility that the 49ers could retain Bartch as a depth piece, it’s hard to justify investing in a player who hasn’t proven he can stay on the field consistently. The 49ers’ offensive line is already in a state of flux, and relying on Bartch for depth could limit the team’s ability to make a real upgrade. With his injury-prone history, adding him as a backup would only serve to band-aid the issue rather than solve it.

That said, Bartch could still be valued for his depth. He has experience in the 49ers’ system, and his familiarity with their offensive line coach could provide some continuity. However, paying him a veteran salary for a limited role might not be the best use of resources. The team would be better off finding new talent at left guard to bring in a more reliable and durable option.

Other Avenues for the 49ers to Explore

The 49ers need to move on and explore other avenues to fill the left guard position. With players like Connor Colby entering year two of his career, he could be ready to step up and take on a larger role. The team also has options in Spencer Burford, who has already shown promise and could be a solid choice moving forward.

If the 49ers choose to part ways with Bartch, they should focus on securing a notable starter or look to the draft for potential upgrades. There are a number of notable free-agent options at left guard, including Joel Bitonio, David Edwards, and Chris Paul, all of whom could provide a more substantial upgrade over the current roster. Adding one of these players would significantly improve the offensive line and give the 49ers a more stable presence at left guard.

A Future Without Ben Bartch

When looking at the depth chart and available options, it’s clear that Ben Bartch no longer fits into the 49ers’ plans. With the flexibility to sign Spencer Burford and Connor Colby returning, the team has other, more reliable options available. Rather than wasting resources on a player who has not shown enough to be considered a starting-level option, the 49ers should focus on more high-impact acquisitions for the left guard spot.

Given the potential to improve the offensive line with notable free-agent options and the internal development of young talent, bringing Bartch back would only slow down the progress the 49ers are trying to make. It’s time for the team to look beyond him and find a more consistent solution for the left guard position.

Conclusion: Letting Bartch Walk in Free Agency

In conclusion, it’s clear that Ben Bartch no longer has a place in the 49ers’ future plans. Despite his potential for depth, his injury history and lack of consistent performance make him a poor investment for a team that needs to address its weaknesses on the offensive line. The 49ers should let Bartch walk in free agency and explore more reliable options to fill the left guard position. There’s no need to continue to rely on a player who hasn’t proven he can be a consistent contributor when the team has so many better options available.