Ex-Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick signs 2-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles

QB Michael Vick signs 2-year deal with Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick is back in the NFL, landing a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. “He signed with the Eagles,” agent Joel Segal told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. He said it was a two-year deal.

Vick, once the NFL’s highest-paid player, has not played since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick’s suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team, practice and play in the last two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under quarterback Donovan McNabb, and are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.

The team, though, is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in Vick, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb’s injury isn’t serious and he’s expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

When news of Vick’s signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles’ preseason opener against New England, even the team’s public relations staff seemed surprised.

AP sports writers Hank Kurz Jr. and Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report.