The centre-back has spent the last four years at the Stadium of Light following his arrival from Manchester United.
However, with his deal due to expire next month, the Black Cats have taken the decision to release the 35-year-old, according to the Shields Gazette.
Despite suffering with numerous injuries, the former England international has made 59 appearances in all competitions during the last two seasons.
Restore Data
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Sunderland | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 19 |
| 2 | Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 19 |
| 3 | Burnley | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 18 |
| 4 | West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 17 |
| 5 | Leeds UnitedLeeds | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 16 |
| 6 | Watford | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 16 |
| 7 | Norwich CityNorwich | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 15 |
| 8 | Blackburn RoversBlackburn | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| 9 | Middlesbrough | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 14 |
| 10 | Oxford UnitedOxford Utd | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 12 |
| 11 | Swansea CitySwansea | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| 12 | Derby CountyDerby | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 13 | Hull City | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 12 |
| 14 | Plymouth ArgylePlymouth | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 11 |
| 15 | Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 11 |
| 16 | Bristol City | 9 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 14 | -4 | 11 |
| 17 | Stoke CityStoke | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 10 |
| 18 | Millwall | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 9 |
| 19 | Preston North EndPreston | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 12 | -5 | 9 |
| 20 | Coventry CityCoventry | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 8 |
| 21 | Luton TownLuton | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 8 |
| 22 | Queens Park RangersQPR | 9 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 16 | -7 | 7 |
| 23 | Portsmouth | 9 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 20 | -11 | 5 |
| 24 | Cardiff CityCardiff | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 18 | -14 | 5 |
| > Championship Full Table | |||||||||
