C+
C-
—
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
C-
Mixed
NegativeMixedPositive
A low-risk camp body signing that adds interior depth without moving the needle. Five headlines covered the move, framing it as competition-driven rather than a guaranteed roster spot. The strongest signal is Bartch's D3 background and limited NFL impact despite years in the league. Fans are mildly interested given the D3-to-NFL novelty, but expectations remain appropriately low. Bartch is a long shot to crack the 53-man roster beyond a depth role.
📰5 news
Contract Value Index (CVI)
C+
Fair Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
**Detroit Lions Add Depth with Ben Bartch Signing** The Detroit Lions have signed guard Ben Bartch to a $1.2M AAV deal, a move that earns a C+ grade from the Contract Value Index (CVI). This represents a reasonable investment in interior line depth, with the Lions paying market rate for a solid backup guard who can step in when needed. At $1.2M annually, Detroit isn't breaking the bank for Bartch, but they're also not getting a bargain for what projects as a middling contributor along the offensive line. The signing suggests the Lions prioritized experience and reliability over upside, adding a serviceable veteran who can provide competent snaps without demanding significant financial commitment. While this won't move the needle dramatically for Detroit's offensive line, it's the type of steady, unspectacular depth signing that helps teams navigate the inevitable injuries of a long NFL season.
Contract Details
- Length
- 1 year
- Total Value
- $1.2M
- AAV
- $1.2M
- Guaranteed
- $330K
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About this NFL transaction
The Detroit Lions signed Ben Bartch (G) on March 25, 2026. FanVerdicts grades every reported NFL transaction across three dimensions independently: Contract Value Index measures the deal's value relative to expected production, Sentiment measures media and fan reaction, and Fan Verdict aggregates community voting on this page. Current grades for this move: Contract Value Index C+, Sentiment C-, Fan Verdict pending.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money the Contract Value Index grade is computed against. The grade does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
Want broader context? The NFL hub has the league-wide transaction feed and team rankings. The NFL transactions feed lists every reported move across the league with the same three-grade methodology applied to each.