Bartch being brought back early is a sign the 49ers believe he can compete for a starting spot.

The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed offensive lineman Ben Bartch, according to a report by Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle. Bartch, primarily a guard, has been with the Niners since joining the franchise during the 2023 season. Bartch quickly climbed the depth chart in San Francisco and seemed like a favorite to be the team’s top left guard this past season. However, he was placed on injured reserve early in the season.

Bartch was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Division-III St. John’s by the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a rookie, he appeared in 13 games (one start) with Jacksonville at guard and tackle. The following season, Bartch played in 15 games and made 11 starts at right guard for the Jags.

By 2022, Bartch entered the season as the starting left guard in Jacksonville but was sidelined by a season-ending injury after just five games. By the time he returned the following season, he was buried on the depth chart and was eventually waived. At that point, the Niners added him to the roster.

Bartch played 64 snaps for the 49ers in 2024. It was a limited sample size, but the 6’6, 305-pound lineman proved to be an instant upgrade over Aaron Banks. It was only one game where Bartch played, and that was in the snow against the Buffalo Bills. Bartch was effective, as the offense ran behind Bartch seven times for 40 yards. That signals confidence in Bartch.

It’s also a sign that the Niners could successfully run the ball without needing a second-round pick at left guard. In an offseason where the 49ers will need to prioritize where they spend big, penny-pinching at left guard might make the most sense for a team that’ll need to add a few heavy hitters at more premium positions.

Spencer Burford and Nick Zakelj are the only veterans under contract outside of Dominick Puni. Since Banks is expected to hit free agency, it might be worth signing another veteran to a minimum-level contract to compete with Bartch. However, this kind of roster building makes sense.