Dual free layer read head having recessed sidewall insulator layer and method of making thereof

A magnetic recording head comprising a first reader, wherein the first reader comprises:

• a first lower shield;
• a first dual free layer (DFL) sensor located over the first lower shield and comprising a first free layer, a second free layer and a first barrier layer located between the first free layer and the second free layer;
• a first upper shield located over the first DFL sensor;
• a first synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure located adjacent to a first side of the first DFL sensor, the first SAF structure comprising a first lower soft bias layer, a first upper soft bias layer, and a first spacer layer located between the first lower soft bias layer and the first upper soft bias layer;
• and
• a first sidewall insulating layer comprising a first portion having a first thickness located between the first lower soft bias layer and the first free layer,
• wherein:
• the first upper soft bias layer is in direct contact with a first sidewall of the second free layer;
• or
• a second portion of the first sidewall insulating layer having a second thickness less than the first thickness is located between the first sidewall of the first upper soft bias layer and the second free layer.