Lions Free Agency 2026 Week 3: Ben Bartch OL, Jake Bates K
Can Bartch and Bates both bounce back?
The Lions are pretty deep into free agency at the 3-week mark, which leaves merely a trickle of low-level signings. Here is the recap which includes taking a flyer on an injured offensive lineman, and bringing back Jake Bates who is coming off a down season.
For the full Detroit Lions free agency roundup, click here.
Ben Bartch, OL (28)
Contract: 1 year, $ pending
Concern level 9/10
2025: 6 games played. High ankle sprain, to IR. Lisfranc surgery, to IR.
2024: 3 games
2023: 16 games
2022: 5 games. Dislocated knee, ended season.
A Lisfranc has a high chance of residuals as Lions fans are all too aware of with Ameer Abdullah and Kevin Jones. With no proof of recovery in game action, there is a high degree of uncertainty.
Bartch’s dislocated knee from a few years ago also likely has residuals. A dislocated knee typically involves multiple torn ligaments which can include cartilage damage. It’s unclear exactly the diagnosis or severity of the injury though. At least he has some proof of recovery afterwards here.
Given Bartch’s health risk, I would expect a similar contract to oft-injured Payton Turner who received the minimum with no guarantees.
Jake Bates, K (27)
Contract (ERFA tender): 1 year, $1.075M with $150,000 guaranteed
Concern level 3/10
Bates may have been hit too many times last season causing a drop in FG percentage from 90% to 79%.
I’m expecting him to bounce back… as long as he stays away from the temptations of the 49ers turf. Good thing the Lions don’t play in Santa Clara this season.
For a couple of the Lions Week 2 free agency signings…