The Cleveland Browns are still searching for stability at quarterback after a messy 2025 campaign. A 5–12 finish exposed gaps across the roster, but it also opened the door for a new face to step up. That opportunity landed in the hands of Shedeur Sanders.
The spotlight around the 24-year-old has shifted in a strange direction. A viral workout clip has sparked debate and concern.
Shedeur Sanders’ Bench Press Clip Sparks Concern Inside The Browns’ Organisation
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A viral video shared on X showed Sanders bench-pressing 185 pounds during an offseason workout at the University of Colorado facility. The fallout from the footage extended beyond mere online chatter. It reportedly sparked significant alarm within the Cleveland Browns’ front office.
According to the viral post cited in the report, team decision-makers were uneasy about the risk involved.
“That’s way too much weight for our franchise QB to be bench pressing. He could have gotten seriously injured.”
The Browns front office is reportedly “irate” over this video of Shedeur Sanders benching 185 lbs.
“That’s way too much weight for our franchise QB to be bench pressing. He could have gotten seriously injured.”
pic.twitter.com/phHtJDCQ4K
— Football Crave (@FootballCravee) March 28, 2026
The concern is not random. Quarterbacks traditionally avoid heavy bench pressing because it can strain the shoulders and chest, key components of throwing mechanics. While the Colorado product was working alongside teammate Gage Larvadain and incorporating full-body training, the optics of the lift became the real story.
Fans did not hold back. Some mocked the weight. Others questioned the purpose entirely. The backlash quickly turned personal.
Sanders only saw extended action because both Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel were sidelined with injuries. Earlier this offseason, HC Todd Monken noted that, despite some shortcomings, he had shown glimpses of a new direction, describing his ability to make plays as “elite.”
With an open QB competition heading into 2026, every move is under a microscope. Reports also indicate Watson could be in “pole position” to reclaim the starting job, largely due to his massive contract and prior experience.
That’s what makes the Sanders bench press moment more than just a workout clip. It’s risk versus development, and for a young quarterback trying to lock down QB1, even a single rep can become headline material.
The debate over the Sanders bench press isn’t really about 185 pounds. It’s about whether the Cleveland Browns believe their young QB is training smart or just training loud.