Lions still looking for OL upgrades, host Ben Bartch on free agent visit

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Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Detroit Lions aren't done looking for offensive line help yet.

The Lions hosted free agent guard Ben Bartch on a visit Monday, March 16, according to the NFL's transactions wire.

Ben Bartch #78 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the NFL 2025 game between San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 7, 2025, in Seattle, Washington.

Bartch, a fourth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, has been a part-time starter in six seasons with the Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers . He started two games at left guard for the 49ers last season and has started 11 games at right guard in his career.

The Lions, coming off a disappointing 9-8 season, have focused this offseason on getting younger and deeper on an offensive line that returns three starters in right tackle Penei Sewell and guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany .

They cut left tackle Taylor Decker and center Graham Glasgow before free agency, acquired guard Juice Scruggs in a trade with the Houston Texans and signed linemen Cade Mays and Larry Borom in the first 24 hours of free agency.

More: New Lions C Cade Mays: 'They fit what I do and I fit what they do'

Mays is expected to start at center this fall, while Borom can play either tackle spot. Sewell, a three-time All-Pro at right tackle, could move to left tackle to replace Decker.

All three of the Lions' offensive line additions this spring are 26 years old, as are Sewell (25), Mahogany (25) and Ratledge (24). Bartch turns 28 in July. Decker and Glasgow are in their 30s and considering retirement.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after the season he was "excited" about the play of some the team's young linemen last year, but was looking to add more competition across the unit.

"I do think that those young players will get better," he said. "But just the offensive line as a whole, whether it’s the interiors or the tackle, that’s something that’s going to continue to see we’re going to have to be urgent in terms of adding to.”

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: Detroit Lions still in OL market, host Ben Bartch on free agent visit