49ers boost their options at key area of need ahead of free agency

The San Francisco 49ers' interior offensive line came under scrutiny following their defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58, and they've made a move to bolster it ahead of free agency.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported the 49ers are re-signing guard/center Ben Bartch to a one-year deal.

Bartch was signed off the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad in November.

He played only 25 snaps for the Niners but is set to compete at both guard and center in the offseason.

Bartch had been the starting left guard for the Jaguars after being drafted in the fourth round in 2020, a serious knee injury suffered in October 2022 derailing his progress for Jacksonville.

Still only 25, the 49ers will hope Bartch can get back on an upward trajectory and give them depth and positional flexibility at a clear area of need.