PITTSBURGH: Veteran free agent quarterback Michael Vick joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday as backup to Ben Roethlisberger. Vick, 35, has signed a one-year deal which could see him earn up to $1 million if he makes the Steelers team.

“There’s not a throw on the field he can’t make from an arm strength standpoint,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a very experienced guy at what he does at this point in his career.” Vick was the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by Atlanta and played for the Falcons through 2006 until his conviction and imprisonment for running a dogfighting ring.

He played four seasons at the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the New York Jets, where he helped upset the Steelers. Steelers coach Tomlin said he was unfazed by Vick’s checkered past.