The San Francisco 49ers have taken an early step toward reshaping their offensive line, informing veteran guard Ben Bartch that he is not in the team’s plans for the 2026 season.
According to league sources, general manager John Lynch personally communicated the decision, signaling a clear break as the organization evaluates new options along the interior line.
Bartch entered the 2025 season projected to compete for the starting left guard role despite limited playing time in previous years, but the plan failed to materialize.
He appeared in just 200 snaps during the season, continuing a pattern of injuries and inconsistent availability that has defined much of his tenure in San Francisco.
With Bartch now set to hit free agency, his representatives have begun exploring opportunities with other teams, viewing a fresh start as the most realistic path forward.
Inside the organization, the decision reflects a broader shift toward finding more reliable and durable solutions at left guard rather than committing roster spots to depth pieces with uncertain upside.
San Francisco believes it can upgrade the position through a combination of internal development, free agency, and the upcoming NFL Draft.
For Bartch, the message is clear and final. His time with the 49ers has come to an end, and the next chapter of his NFL career will be written elsewhere.
