Barrett Carter received recognition for his best practice of training camp and immediately aimed higher.
The second-year linebacker was named Bengals.com’s Player of the Day following Tuesday’s session.
His response was frank.
“I don’t want that,” Carter said. “I want the AFC Player of the Week.”
Carter later raised the target again, telling the team website that he wants to become Super Bowl MVP.
The ambition came after a practice in which Carter played downhill to help close inside running lanes.
He also handled the communication duties for the Cincinnati Bengals defense and met tight end Erick All Jr. during several physical collisions when All lined up at fullback, according to the Bengals’ official camp report.
Carter’s goals may sound bold for a player entering his second season.
However, Cincinnati needs that confidence to become something tangible after a difficult rookie year for its young linebacker group.
Carter Takes Command of Bengals Defense
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 21: Barrett Carter #49 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates an interception against the Miami Dolphins in the third quarter of a game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Carter’s importance doesn’t just focus on him making tackles.
He wears the communication helmet during team periods to receive the call from defensive coordinator Al Golden and get the defense aligned before the snap.
Carter must process the motions and formations created by Joe Burrow while making sure the other 10 defenders are operating from the same plan.
Golden called the improvement in his linebackers’ command “night and day.” He said they have gained more control at the line of scrimmage, are making the correct checks and are playing faster.
Carter felt the change during Tuesday’s practice.
“Nothing bad, but still room to improve,” Carter said. “The physicality was good.”
The former Clemson standout played in every game as a rookie and started the final 12. He finished with 102 tackles, four passes defensed and one interception, ranking third in tackles among NFL rookies.
The volume didn’t drown out his inconsistency.
Pro Football Focus gave Carter a 39.5 overall grade, which ranked 85th among 88 qualifying linebackers. His 35.5 coverage grade ranked 80th, and he was charged with 18 missed tackles.
Those numbers help explain why one strong camp practice meant less to Carter than what could follow it.
Dexter Lawrence Helps Carter Play Faster
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Dexter Lawrence II #97 and Abdul Carter #51 of the New York Giants celebrate a fourth quarter sack against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Bengals changed the environment around their young linebackers during the offseason.
The biggest difference sits directly in front of Carter.
Dexter Lawrence II has controlled the middle during camp and occupied the type of interior attention that can keep blockers from reaching the second level.
Lawrence said making life easier for Carter is part of his job at nose tackle.
He also credited Carter for playing with more confidence and understanding the defense better in his second season.
The benefits extend beyond Lawrence.
New safety Bryan Cook said Carter is solidifying his foundation and praised his willingness to learn while leading the defense from the middle.
Carter also shares the linebacker room with Demetrius Knight Jr., another second-year player Cincinnati is counting on to improve.
Golden said both linebackers are playing downhill and with greater speed.
That development could determine whether the Bengals’ rejigged defense matches an offense with championship hopefulness.
Carter doesn’t want to celebrate an August honor along the way.
He wants postseason games and eventually a parade.
So, Carter has already supplied the quote. The Bengals now need him to keep supplying the evidence.
Bengals Starter Rejects Training Camp Honor: ‘I Don’t Want That’