Packers release two veterans

Defensive end Montgomery and safety Giordano contributed mainly as special teams players and part-time performers on defense for the Packers in 2009

The Packers announced Friday the release of defensive end Michael Montgomery and safety Matt Giordano in the general manager Ted Thompson's first transactions since free agency officially began.

Montgomery, originally a sixth-round selection of the Packers in 2005, was a staple on special teams over his five seasons in Green Bay. The 6-foot-5, 282-pounder saw limited action on defense in 56 career games with the Packers.

In 2008, Montgomery made his biggest impact. In eight starts, he posted a career-high 71 tackles and 2.5 sacks. It was good enough to earn him another contract with the Packers as an unrestricted free agent on March 23. But last season he failed to find his place among the Packers' transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme. He played in just 10 games with two tackles.

Giordano, on the other hand, played in just five games in 2009. He was signed by the Packers on Sept. 23 when injuries at safety and the release of Aaron Rouse depleted the team's depth at the position. After that, Giordano saw action on defense in just two games - both in the regular season finale and the wild-card playoff game at Arizona. He was inactive for nine other games and made four tackles on special teams.

Prior to coming to Green Bay, Giordano, 27, played in 60 games over four seasons with the Colts.