"The Philadelphia Eagles do not fear controversy. Now their rivals in the NFC East must fear the Eagles.

Philadelphia signed quarterback Michael Vick to a two-year contract Thursday, giving him a chance to revive his NFL career after a two-year absence. Vick spent 18 of those months in a federal prison for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring.

The Eagles stepped up in 2004 and acquired Terrell Owens when the San Francisco 49ers were trying to unload him for being a cancer in their locker room. Owens helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in his first season before he in turn washed out of Philadelphia in 2005.

Now the Eagles, who reached the NFC title game in 2008, add one of the greatest running quarterbacks in NFL history to a top-10 offense - a quarterback who has gone to three Pro Bowls and taken a team to an NFC Championship Game. At 29, he is still in his prime.

Vick can practice with the Eagles and will be allowed to play in the final two preseason games. But he will not be eligible to play this season until the sixth week, when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reviews his reinstatement.

That will afford Vick the next eight weeks to get back into playing shape. Then he probably will be eligible to play the final 11 games of the season for the Eagles - a stretch that would include all six NFC East games.

Vick gives the Eagles veteran depth at the quarterback position, but, with his running skills, he also could see action as a kick returner, running back and even as a wide receiver."