The Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed the signing of quarterback Michael Vick on a two-year contract.

The team's website confirmed the news that Vick is returning to the NFL after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring in Virginia.

The former Atlanta Falcons man was once the league's highest-paid player and is looking to get his professional career back on track.

Under the agreement he has with the NFL for his phased return, he will only be permitted to play in the final two exhibition games planned by the Eagles and may not be available for NFL action until as late as week six of the season, to be played on the weekend of October 18-19.

Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson gave the signing of Vick his seal of approval and told the team's official website www.philadelphiaeagles.com: "He's a great player. He has a lot to prove to everybody ... We've got some things on that offense now.

"We're just going to support him and hopefully he can come into our team and make some things happen.

"It's an unfortunate situation that he's been through, but he has a chance to make it right. We just have to stay close with each other and keep it in house.

"We have to look at it in a positive perspective. We're going to accept him and hopefully, everything is smooth. Things happen in this world, and it's not to say that it's right or wrong, things happen. He has a real opportunity to prove himself."