Barrett Carter's Potential Fit Explored by the Cincinnati Bengals

In the competitive landscape of the NFL, teams are constantly searching for young talent that can fill gaps and elevate their roster—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Barrett Carter has emerged as a name generating buzz in scouting circles. A standout at Clemson University, Carter has built a reputation as a versatile, hard-hitting defender with the ability to impact plays against both the run and the pass. As the Bengals look to strengthen their linebacker corps—an area that has faced depth challenges in recent seasons—exploring Carter’s potential fit has become a key focus for their front office and coaching staff. Barrett Carter's Potential Fit Explored by the Cincinnati Bengals delves into his on-field strengths, how he aligns with the Bengals’ defensive scheme, and why he could be a valuable addition to the team’s long-term plans.

Barrett Carter's Potential Fit Explored by the Cincinnati Bengals first centers on his standout skill set from his time at Clemson—traits that make him a compelling prospect for NFL teams in need of linebacker help. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Carter combines size, speed, and football IQ to excel in multiple roles. He was a force in run defense for the Tigers, using his quickness to shed blockers and wrap up ball carriers, finishing his senior season with 83 total tackles (11 for loss) and 3.5 sacks. What sets Carter apart, though, is his ability to contribute in pass coverage—a critical skill in today’s pass-heavy NFL. He recorded 5 pass breakups and 2 interceptions in 2023, showing a knack for reading quarterbacks and reacting to routes. “Barrett is the kind of linebacker who doesn’t have a clear weakness,” said one NFL scout who evaluated him closely. “He can play inside, he can shift to the edge on passing downs, and he doesn’t look out of place when dropping back into coverage. That versatility is hard to find.” For the Bengals, who often face high-powered offenses in the AFC North, a linebacker with Carter’s all-around game could be a game-changer.

A critical angle in exploring Carter’s fit is the Bengals’ current defensive scheme and where he could slot in—specifically, how he aligns with coordinator Lou Anarumo’s hybrid defensive approach. Anarumo’s system relies on linebackers who can be “three-down players”: capable of stopping the run on first and second down, then shifting to coverage or blitzing on third down. The Bengals’ current linebacker group has struggled with this balance; while veteran Logan Wilson excels in coverage, he’s sometimes limited against power running teams, and backup linebackers have lacked the versatility to stay on the field in all situations. Carter’s skill set directly addresses this need. His speed (he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) allows him to keep up with tight ends and running backs in coverage, while his strength and tackling precision make him a reliable run defender. During his time at Clemson, he often played in “money” packages—lining up as an inside linebacker on run downs and shifting to a nickel linebacker role on passing plays—a experience that would translate seamlessly to Anarumo’s scheme. “We look for players who can do multiple things,” Anarumo said in a recent interview about linebacker needs. “The more a player can contribute in different phases, the more valuable they are to our defense.”

A defining aspect of Barrett Carter's Potential Fit Explored by the Cincinnati Bengals is the gap he could fill in the Bengals’ roster depth—a concern that has become more pressing as the team aims to compete for a Super Bowl. The Bengals’ linebacker corps took a hit last season when Akeem Davis-Gaither dealt with injuries, forcing them to rely on inexperienced backups in key moments. Carter’s arrival would not only provide immediate depth but also offer a long-term solution. At 22 years old, he has room to grow and develop under the guidance of Wilson and defensive line veterans like Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have built their core around young stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, adding a talented young linebacker like Carter would help maintain their competitive window for years to come. “Depth at linebacker is something we’ve been looking to address,” said Bengals general manager Duke Tobin. “We need players who can step in and perform when called upon, and Barrett has shown he can do that at a high level in college. His potential to grow with our team is exciting.” Carter’s presence would also allow the Bengals to be more flexible with their defensive packages, freeing up Wilson to focus on his strengths in coverage while Carter handles more run-defense responsibilities.

Another key layer in evaluating Carter’s fit with the Cincinnati Bengals is the potential for scheme-specific adjustments that could maximize his impact—a strategy the Bengals have used successfully with other young players. Anarumo’s staff has a history of tailoring roles to players’ strengths; for example, they shifted safety Jessie Bates III to a more versatile role to leverage his ball-hawking skills. For Carter, this could mean designing packages that let him use his speed to blitz from the edge—a tactic he thrived with at Clemson, where he recorded 7 sacks over his final two seasons. The Bengals’ defensive line, which already generates consistent pressure, would benefit from Carter’s blitzing ability, as he could create mismatches against slower offensive linemen or tight ends. Additionally, his experience in coverage would allow the Bengals to use more “zone blitz” packages, where linebackers drop back into coverage while defensive linemen rush the quarterback—a look that has confused opposing offenses in the past. “We don’t ask players to fit into a rigid mold,” said Bengals linebackers coach James Bettcher. “We look at what they do best and build plays around that. With Barrett’s speed and instincts, there are a lot of ways we could use him to make our defense better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this adaptability is key to getting the most out of their talent, and Carter’s versatile skill set makes him an ideal candidate for such a tailored role.

Wrapping up Barrett Carter's Potential Fit Explored by the Cincinnati Bengals is the strategic value of adding a player like Carter—both for the upcoming season and the team’s long-term success. The Bengals have established themselves as contenders in the AFC, but to take the final step to a Super Bowl, they need to strengthen their defensive depth and add playmakers who can impact key moments. Carter’s ability to make plays against both the run and the pass would give the Bengals a more balanced defense, one that can handle the diverse offenses they face in the AFC North and playoffs. Beyond on-field production, Carter’s work ethic and leadership—traits highlighted by his Clemson coaches—align with the Bengals’ team culture, which emphasizes accountability and teamwork. “Barrett is a winner,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He shows up every day ready to work, and he makes everyone around him better. That’s the kind of player who can help a team win championships.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, exploring Carter’s potential fit isn’t just about adding a talented linebacker—it’s about investing in a player who can contribute to their goal of bringing a Super Bowl title to Cincinnati. As the draft or free agency approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Bengals move to make Carter a part of their future.