Dan Campbell wanted competition, Lions have it at OG this spring
The Detroit Lions are adding more competition for their offensive line.
The Lions signed veteran guard Ben Bartch on Wednesday, March 25. Bartch started two games at left guard for the San Francisco 49ers last season before missing time with a high ankle sprain.
He took a free-agent visit to the Lions last week.
A fourth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, Bartch, 27, could compete with Christian Mahogany for the starting job this fall.
The Lions have focused on rebuilding their line this offseason after missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2022.
They cut veterans Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow , signed Cade Mays and Larry Borom in free agency, added Juice Scruggs by trade and return Mahogany, Tate Ratledge and Penei Sewell as starters.
Sewell, a three-time All-Pro, could move from right to left tackle to replace Decker, while Ratledge appears locked in at the right guard spot.
More: How Detroit Lions' biggest needs match up with 2026 NFL draft
Bartch has been a part-time starter for most of his six NFL seasons and made 11 starts at right guard for the Jaguars in 2021. He played Division III football in college at Saint John's University in Minnesota and spent parts of each the past two seasons on injured reserve.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the season he was intent on adding more competition to his roster this offseason.
"I just want to make sure, man, we go after it," he said. "And I’m not saying we weren’t hungry, but let’s get that hunger back and we’re going to bring in some guys to compete. That’s the thing, man. We need competition in a lot of areas, man, cause that brings out the best in players, whether it’s with some of the guys that were here or the guys that we bring in. That’s how you elevate the roster."
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions sign Ben Bartch, add more competition for OL starting spots
