Johnathan Joseph’s time in Houston may have just come to an end.

The former Gamecock defensive back has been a member of the Texans defense since the 2011 season after playing his first five NFL seasons for the Bengals. Cincinnati selected Joseph with the No. 24 overall pick in 2006 NFL Draft.

While it’s possible Joseph will return to Houston in 2020, the team issued a statement announcing the franchise and the defensive back have both decided it would be in both parties’ mutual interest to allow the veteran NFL defender to test the market.

“Johnathan has been a consummate professional, team captain and one of the leaders of our defense for the past nine years. It is rare for a player to sustain such a high level of play for over a decade and that says so much about him and his dedication to the game. He is an exceptional teammate, mentor, husband and father. His impact on and off the field makes him quite possibly the most celebrated free-agent signing in franchise history. The entire Houston Texans organization thanks Johnathan for the contributions he made to our team and the Houston community. We wish him and his family all the best as he pursues free agency.”

Joseph registered 51 tackles and 13 passes defended in 14 games last season for the Texans. The NFL free agency period is set to begin Wednesday, March 18 at 4 p.m. ET.