The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that they signed free agent quarterback, Michael Vick, for a one-year deal, as per NFL.com. Vick played last year with the New York Jets but was barely used as a backup to Geno Smith.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Steelers signed Vick because their backup quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. Gradkowski was placed on the list due to surgeries for an injured finger and a possible shoulder injury, as reported by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"Bruce has missed a lot of time throughout the preseason, and now with this injury and not having any timetable at this juncture for his return we thought it was prudent to sign another veteran quarterback. Vick is by far the best available on the open market."

"There's not a throw on the field he can't make from an arm strength standpoint. He's a very experienced guy at what he does at this point in his career. And, obviously, the mobility is still unique even at 35," said Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, via the Post-Gazette.

According to a report from ESPN, Vick signed the same day he visited the team. Starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, commented on the signing, saying via Post-Gazette, "For me, it's about any way, any person, anything who can help this team. If that's Michael Vick, then so be it. He's a great football player."

"It's undeniable the athlete he is and the quarterback he is, especially in Atlanta and the things he did. I know a lot of guys growing up wanted to be Michael Vick because he was a splash, exciting football player," Roethlisberger adds.

The 35-year-old spent 21 months in jail for dog fighting. The Steelers tried to sign him in 2009 but backed out due to possible negative publicity, per NFL.com.

ESPN reported that Vick appeared in 10 games with the Jets last season and starting three. He completed 64 of 121 passes for 604 yards, throwing three touchdowns with two interceptions. He also rushed 26 times for 153 yards.

He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, highlighted by a Pro Bowl in 2010 after throwing for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns. Vick will join Landry Jones as the backup quarterbacks in Pittsburgh.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Vick first overall in 2001, becoming the first African-American drafted number one. He was named in the Pro Bowl in 2002, 2004 and 2005 before being imprisoned in 2007.