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free safety

American

noun

Football.

a member of a secondary, usually the deepest-playing defender, with no specific assignment at the snap of the ball, but often covering the area of the field across from the weak side of the opponent's offensive line against runs and long pass plays.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mickens, a rookie, can play free safety, nickel and special teams.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

She plays free safety and it’s tough for any big plays to happen with her defending the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2024

Love is listed as the free safety and Jenkins at strong, but Macdonald’s defense calls for the safeties to work interchangeably.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

Additionally, CSU provides an app linking students to the university's police department and offers a free safety escort service for campus and nearby student housing.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

The reality is, Adams already was largely playing a linebacker-type role — of his 518 snaps last year, just 85 were at free safety, according to Pro Football Focus.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023