free safety

noun

: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Ravens will be without cornerback Kyle Fuller in the secondary, but have Marlon Humphrey holding down one side and Marcus Williams at free safety.

David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2022 The Bears had star talent at the key positions, too, starting with Tommie Harris at defensive tackle, Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker, Lance Briggs at weak-side linebacker and Mike Brown at free safety.

Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Setalsingh also anchors the Panthers secondary at free safety.

Nate Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 After Gallmon’s injury, Kansas State transfer Marvin Martin and redshirt junior Jaden Voisin competed for the starting job at free safety.

Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 1 Sep. 2022 Brandon Jones was not in the right spot in zone coverage as Darden ended up open between Noah Igbinoghene and Nik Needham, the cornerback who was playing free safety over the top.

David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2022 Safety Dax Hill has played free safety, guarded tight ends and gone through drills with the cornerbacks.

Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 8 Aug. 2022 McElroy starred at Uvalde High School in the 1970s before going on to play at Baylor then nine seasons at free safety for the Raiders and Seahawks.

Matt Young, Chron, 16 June 2022 Both Cross and McLeod teamed with starting free safety Julian Blackmon during the Colts' summer practices, but the rookie from Maryland is the likely long-term replacement for Willis at strong safety.

Joel A. Erickson, USA TODAY, 15 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'free safety.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.