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Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Charles Snowden has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 NFL season, the league’s transaction office announced Tuesday.
An NFL spokesman confirmed to Pakinomist Digital that he was suspended because of a DUI arrest from 2024 that was recently settled after Snowden accepted a plea deal.
Snowden will miss the Cowboys’ season opener on the road against the New York Giants, their home opener against the Washington Commanders and another home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
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Charles Snowden #49 of the Las Vegas Raiders stands on the sideline during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Dec. 8, 2024. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Snowden is still allowed to participate in the Cowboys’ preseason activities, which include their three preseason contests. The suspension will take effect when NFL rosters reach 53 men.
Snowden, 28, reached an agreement to resolve a 2024 DUI arrest back in January.
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Snowden pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge while ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and attend forensics and DUI classes as part of the deal.
Charles Snowden #49 of the Las Vegas Raiders goes between plays during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Nov. 17, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
As a result of the plea agreement, Snowden’s charge will be reduced to reckless driving if he completes the orders.
Snowden signed with the Cowboys this offseason as a free agent after a tryout period after being invited to minicamp.
Snowden was an undrafted free agent out of Virginia who signed with the Chicago Bears in 2021. He appeared in just two games and did not play in the 2022 or 2023 regular seasons.
Charles Snowden #49 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 29, 2024. (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
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After that, Snowden played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and 2025. His best season came last year when he collected three sacks, 28 combined tackles, five tackles for loss and an interception across 15 games (nine starts).
