Browns make risky decision with new starting QB Joe Flacco

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski named Joe Flacco the starting quarterback for the rest of the season following the team's 31-27 victory over the Jaguars (8-5) Sunday. However, they have put themselves at risk of losing him.

Flacco has reverted back to Cleveland's practice squad and is now eligible to sign with another team's active roster, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 16-year veteran is expected to remain with the Browns, but as long as he isn't on the 53-man roster, there's a chance he could leave.

The 38-year-old seems rejuvenated, completing 49-of-89 passes for 565 yards, five touchdowns and just two interceptions the past two weeks. There are several teams still searching for answers at quarterback. 

None likely give Flacco a better opportunity to make a run in the playoffs, but security is nothing to overlook in the NFL and it's something that's clearly important to the veteran.

"It feels good when it looks like people have confidence in you," Flacco told reporters after the game. "You try to carry yourself the right way and do the right things because it doesn't guarantee anything in terms of going out on the field on Sunday."

Cleveland could very well sign Flacco to its active roster in the coming days, which would make too much sense after naming him the starter the rest of the way. But until that happens, fans are surely holding their breath.

One of the Browns' AFC North rivals is also fighting for a spot in the playoffs and has a big question mark at quarterback.

The Steelers will be without second-year QB Kenny Pickett for at least another game or two while he heals from ankle surgery. Flacco would give them a much better chance to win than backups Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.

It would be a win-win move by Pittsburgh to sure up its quarterback and steal Cleveland's. But Flacco would, of course, have to agree to it. This is one of several nightmare scenarios that can play out as long as he remains on the practice squad.

Flacco, however, is just focused on next week.

"I do feel like we're doing a lot of good things," Flacco added. "We have the ability to really start to get over the hump. We're just not quite there yet, but we're going to work hard and continue to get better."