Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals look to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run and future contention, one name has emerged as a potential perfect fit: linebacker Barrett Carter. A standout from Clemson University, Carter brings a versatile skill set that directly addresses the Bengals’ most pressing defensive needs—from shoring up run defense to improving coverage against tight ends and slot receivers. In a league where modern linebackers must excel in multiple phases of the game, Carter’s ability to tackle with physicality, drop into coverage with precision, and even rush the passer makes him a rare commodity. Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down how each of his key strengths maps to the Bengals’ weaknesses, and why he could become a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. For a team that’s already competitive but seeking that final piece to contend for a Super Bowl, Carter represents more than just a prospect—he’s a solution to longstanding gaps.

Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his elite run-defense ability, a critical area where the Bengals have struggled in 2025. Through 15 weeks, Cincinnati ranks 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (123.8) and has given up 18 rushing touchdowns—numbers that have proven costly in close games against run-heavy teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. Carter, however, has a track record of shutting down the run: at Clemson, he averaged 8.2 tackles per game in his final season, with 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, using his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame and quick lateral movement to plug gaps and bring down ball carriers. What sets him apart is his ability to read offensive linemen’s movements—he consistently anticipates run plays before they develop, allowing him to beat blockers to the point of attack. “Barrett has a natural feel for run defense,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. “He doesn’t just react—he processes what’s happening and puts himself in position to make plays. That’s the kind of linebacker who can turn a struggling run defense around.” For the Bengals, adding Carter would mean having a reliable presence in the middle of the field, one who can ease the pressure on defensive tackles and allow edge rushers to focus on getting to the quarterback.

Another key skill that aligns with the Bengals’ needs is Carter’s proficiency in pass coverage—a area where Cincinnati’s linebackers have been a liability. The Bengals have allowed 8.3 yards per pass attempt to receivers targeted against their linebackers, the 7th-worst mark in the NFL, and tight ends have particularly exploited this weakness (opposing tight ends have 6 touchdowns against Cincinnati this season). Carter, by contrast, excels in coverage: he allowed just 4.1 yards per target at Clemson, with 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups in his final season. He’s comfortable dropping into zone coverage to defend short and intermediate routes, and he has the speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash) to keep up with slot receivers and tight ends in man-to-man matchups. A prime example of his coverage skills came in Clemson’s bowl game, where he shadowed a All-American tight end for the entire game, limiting him to 2 catches for 15 yards and breaking up 2 potential touchdown passes. “Barrett is a modern linebacker—he can do it all,” said NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “He’s not just a run-stopper or a coverage guy; he’s both. That’s exactly what the Bengals need, because they’re getting burned in coverage by tight ends and slots week after week.” For the Bengals, Carter’s coverage ability would allow defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to be more creative with his schemes—he could use Carter to cover tight ends, freeing up safeties to play deeper and prevent big plays downfield.

Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals also highlights his versatility as a pass rusher, a trait that would add depth to the Bengals’ already strong edge-rushing unit. While the Bengals have stars like Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard on the edges, they lack a consistent pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position—their linebackers have combined for just 3 sacks this season, well below the league average of 8. Carter, however, has shown he can pressure quarterbacks from multiple alignments: he lined up as an edge rusher in 30% of his snaps at Clemson, using his speed and agility to beat offensive tackles, and he also has the strength to bull-rush guards when lined up in the middle. His 4 sacks and 8 quarterback hurries in his final season are a testament to his ability to disrupt passing plays. “Barrett gives you a different look as a pass rusher,” said Goodwin. “He’s not a traditional edge rusher, but he can line up anywhere and create pressure. That’s valuable because it keeps offenses guessing.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, adding Carter as a pass-rushing threat would make their defense even more unpredictable—offenses would have to account for Hendrickson and Hubbard on the edges, plus Carter blitzing from the middle or slot. This could lead to more sacks, more hurried throws, and more turnovers—all of which would help the Bengals close out close games.

Carter’s leadership and football IQ are additional traits that align with the Bengals’ culture, which values veteran presence and locker room cohesion. At Clemson, Carter was a team captain in his final two seasons, known for his work ethic in practice and his ability to rally teammates during tough games. He’s also a student of the game—he spent hours studying film with Clemson’s coaches, breaking down opponents’ tendencies and helping design defensive game plans. This kind of leadership would be invaluable for the Bengals, who have a young core (Joe Burrow is 27, Ja’Marr Chase is 24) and could use a veteran-like presence to guide younger linebackers like Germaine Pratt and rookie Owen Pappoe. “Barrett is the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He leads by example, but he also isn’t afraid to speak up and hold his teammates accountable. That’s the kind of leadership that wins championships.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter’s leadership would help maintain the team’s competitive culture, even during slumps or injuries. He’d be a player that younger teammates look up to, and a player that coaches can trust to execute game plans and make adjustments on the field.

Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with the long-term implications of adding a player like Carter. The Bengals’ current linebackers are set to face free agency in the next two seasons—Pratt is entering the final year of his contract, and Logan Wilson will be a free agent in 2027—so adding a young, talented linebacker like Carter would ensure stability at the position for years to come. Additionally, Carter’s skill set aligns with the NFL’s evolving style of play, where linebackers must be able to handle multiple roles. As offenses continue to use more spread formations and pass-heavy schemes, having a linebacker who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage will become even more important. For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting or signing Carter wouldn’t just be a short-term fix—it would be an investment in the future, one that could help them remain competitive for the next decade. “Barrett Carter is the kind of player who can be a franchise cornerstone,” said Jeremiah. “He has the skills, the work ethic, and the leadership to make a team better from day one. For the Bengals, who are already on the cusp of a Super Bowl, he could be the missing piece.” In the end, Barrett Carter's Skills Align with Needs of the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of perfect fit—a player whose strengths directly address a team’s weaknesses, and whose presence could elevate a good team to a great one. For the Bengals and their fans, Carter represents hope for more playoff runs, more memorable wins, and ultimately, a chance to bring a Super Bowl title back to Cincinnati.