Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles has secured the services of Michael Vick [GALLO/GETTY]

Agent Joel Segal confirmed Vick's signing, shortly before the team announced it via a text message.

The 29-year-old Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, has been out of action 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 (October 18-19) at the latest.

A second chance

"I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance,'' Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

"He's got great people on his side; there isn't a finer person than Tony Dungy. He's proven he's on the right track.''

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

McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years, and was rewarded with a $5.3 million raise in the offseason.

The Eagles tore up his old contract with two years remaining, and gave him a new deal worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons.

The team was 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 this week. Kolb's injury wasn't serious and he's expected to return next week.

The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

'Unbelievable athlete'

"He's an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing it,'' Reid said.

"I'll think of something for him.''

Reid made sure he spoke with McNabb before signing Vick.

"I pretty much lobbied to get him here,'' McNabb said.

"I believe in second chances and what better place to get a second chance than here with this group of guys. ... He's no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense.''

In a television interview set to air on Sunday, Vick accepted blame for not stopping the illegal dogfighting operation he bankrolled.

Vick said he feels "some tremendous hurt behind what happened.''

He said he should have taken "the initiative to stop it all ... I didn't.''

Asked if he was more concerned about his playing career or the dogs he hurt, Vick replied, "Football don't even matter.''

PETA speaks out

The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wasted no time reminding people exactly what Vick had done.

"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Eagles decided to sign a guy who hung dogs from trees. He electrocuted them with jumper cables and held them under water,'' PETA spokesman Dan Shannon said.

"You have to wonder what sort of message this sends to young fans who care about animals and don't want them to be harmed.''

Since Reid became the head coach in 1999, the Eagles have avoided players with character issues.

The lone exception came in 2004 when Philadelphia acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens.

That move paid off when Owens helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl in his first season.

But Owens quickly wore out his welcome, criticising management over a contract dispute and feuding with McNabb.

He was released midway through the 2005 season.