Safety, free and strong, is one of the most important roles on any team’s defense. They’re frequently the last line of, well, defense, expected to stop the plays which have gotten away from cornerbacks and linebackers.
They’re called on to pull up to the line in run plays and blitzes. And they are frequently expected to cover much larger tight ends and faster receivers in passing schemes.
Recently the Saints have converted to what some are calling a 4-2-5 defense. Three safeties might take the field at any given time rather than the more traditional two. Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen explained this as an attempt to get the best players on the field.