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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.

He suspected he changed his mind because the Bruins had said from the start they were recruiting him to play free safety while Michigan wanted him as a quarterback, his other high school position.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 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

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

According to PFF, he had 489 yards at strong safety, 335 at free safety and 188 in the slot.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2024

Via Pro Football Focus he played only one snap at free safety, the rest at nickel or in the box.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

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