free safety

American  

noun

Football.

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

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

This time he tried to run for a tying two-point conversion but was tackled short of the goal line by free safety Tavian Talbert with 2:51 left.

From Los Angeles Times

Penciled in to start at free safety is Alohi Gilman, who is entering the final year of his contract.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

The Steelers had grown disenchanted with Fitzpatrick, who was named All-Pro in 2019, 2020 and 2022 but had only one interception in the last two seasons after moving from free safety to strong safety.

From Los Angeles Times