They re-signed defensive end Michael Montgomery, an unrestricted free agent, as well as the restricted-free-agent pair of defensive back Jarrett Bush and defensive end Jason Hunter. All of them are role players.

Bush's return is noteworthy because the special-teams contributor courted interest from six teams and came away with a significant contract. The Packers matched a three-year, $4.5 offer sheet Bush had signed with the Tennessee Titans.

Green Bay's remaining unrestricted free agent is right tackle Mark Tauscher. The Packers aren't in a rush to re-sign the nine-year starter, preferring to wait to see how he progresses in the offseason with his recovery from major knee surgery in January.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

After signing only one player (former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Anthony Smith) in the early phase of free agency, the Packers jumped into the offseason program March 16 content to roll with their returning players in the new 3-4 defense.

The April 25-26 draft will be the familiar avenue general manager Ted Thompson will take to plug holes on the defensive line and possibly at outside linebacker.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive end: The switch to the 3-4 puts top pass rusher Aaron Kampman in a new role at outside linebacker. That leaves Cullen Jenkins, who is returning from a season-ending pectoral injury, and converted tackle Johnny Jolly to man the end spots. An upgrade can be had with the No. 9 pick in the draft, whether it's a robust end who fits the new scheme or an undersized pass rusher who can move to linebacker.

2. Defensive tackle: Given the change in philosophy, the Packers will need a stout nose tackle to line up over center and occupy multiple blockers. Incumbent Ryan Pickett gets the nod, but durability is a concern. Plus, Green Bay has next to nothing in reserve.

3. Offensive tackle: Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher have been the reliable bookends on the left and right sides, respectively, since their rookie season in 2000. The end of the line for them is near, and possibly this year for Tauscher, a free agent who needs the offseason to recover from knee surgery. Clifton also has been slowed by knee problems. The Packers like the young prospects on the roster, but adding another wouldn't hurt.

MEDICAL WATCH: Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was hopeful as the team's offseason program started March 16 that oft-injured defensive tackle Justin Harrell would be able to participate sooner than later.

"Very positive feedback from both Justin and the doctors," McCarthy said. Harrell spent about five weeks in Green Bay after last season ended rehabbing a troublesome lower back. He had undergone two surgeries before the season started to repair a herniated disk and missed most of the season. Harrell has yet to get on the field for offseason work with the Packers since they picked him in the first round of the 2007 draft.

McCarthy reiterated that veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher is "right on track" in his rehab after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee in January. Tauscher, an unrestricted free agent the team is interested in re-signing, is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OT Mark Tauscher has been a mainstay in the Green Bay lineup at right tackle since his rookie season in 2000, but his starting days could be over. Tauscher will need the entire offseason and perhaps training camp to recover from a late-season torn ACL and subsequent surgery, leaving him to possibly accept a one-year deal to return as a backup.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--WR Shaun Bodiford (not tendered as RFA) missed the entire 2008 season because of a back injury and is a long shot to be back with the team loaded at receiver.

--TE Tory Humphrey (not tendered as RFA) stayed healthy for a full season for the first time in four years with the club and showed some flashes as a pass catcher. The late-season emergence of rookie Jermichael Finley and returning starter Donald Lee doesn't bode well for Humphrey's moving up the depth chart, however.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--S Atari Bigby (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) will be spending most of the offseason rehabbing a surgically repaired ankle that caused him fits all of last season. When healthy, Bigby has been a tenacious and productive starter at strong safety.

--FB John Kuhn (tendered at $1.01M with no compensation) was an unsung player on offense in 2008 as a dependable run blocker and for grinding out some yards in short-yardage situations.

--WR Ruvell Martin (tendered at $1.01M with no compensation) is no better than the fifth wideout on the roster, but he has an upside as a big target (6-4, 220) to move the chains.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--CB Tramon Williams gained seasoning in 2008 with nine starts and produced with five interceptions to rank third on the team. Depending on the status of Al Harris, who isn't a shoo-in to be kept by the team in the new scheme, Williams could be promoted from the nickel-back role he primarily had.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--CB Jarrett Bush: RFA; tendered at $1.01M (matched Titans offer); $4.5M/3 yrs, $1M SB.

--DE Jason Hunter: RFA; $1.01M/1 yr.

--DE Michael Montgomery: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--S Anthony Smith: Not tendered as RFA by Steelers; $1.485M/2 yrs, $100,000 RB.

PLAYERS LOST

--DT Colin Cole: UFA Seahawks; $21.4M/5 yrs, $6M guaranteed.