If you say that someone is a free agent, you are emphasizing that they can do whatever they want to do, because they are not responsible to anyone or for anyone.
We are not free agents; we abide by the decisions of our president.
2. countable noun
If a sports player is a free agent, he or she is free to sign a contract with any team.
[US]
free agent in British English
noun
a person whose actions are not constrained by others
free agent in American English
US
an athlete eligible to play a professional sport who is free to sign a contract with any team
Derived forms
free agency
Examples of 'free agent' in a sentence
free agent
The club signed the free agent midfielder on a threemonth deal last week.
The Sun (2014)
Free agents can be signed by a club at any time in the season.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Both players are free agents after being released this summer.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
All the players will become free agents if they go unpaid for two weeks.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The result was that all players automatically became free agents after six years' service.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In addition, a club who have not filled their allocation can sign free agents outside the window.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
TEVEZ powerless as the player is a free agent this summer.
The Sun (2009)
Both players are free agents.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He then brought in a handful of free agents and loan players on lower wages because of the lack of long-term and significant investment.