Steelers sign QB Michael Vick to 1-year contract

Vick was a free agent quarterback before signing with the Steelers.

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said the team plans to work Vick out in the near future.

The Steelers were in serious need of depth with second-stringer Bruce Gradkowski dealing with an injured finger on his left hand and No. 3 Landry Jones still getting up to speed in his third season.

Gradkowski had surgery on his left ring finger.

Vick was suspended from the NFL in 2007 after he pleaded guilty to dog-fighting charges. He served more than 1 year in prison.

After he got out of jail and was reinstated by the league, Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.

While it was an unpopular move at the time, talk of Michael Vick's past eventually died down.

The 35-year-old Vick spent 2014 with the New York Jets, throwing for two touchdowns against the Steelers in an upset win on Nov. 9.

Steelers cornerback Brandon Boykin, who played with Vick in Philadelphia, called him a great teammate.

According to the Associated Press, Roethlisberger said Vick would be welcomed in the locker room with open arms and that Vick's past legal issues would not be a problem.

PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange released the following statement Tuesday: “As long as he's throwing a football and not electrocuting a dog, PETA is pleased he is focused on his game.”