The Dallas Cowboys will kick off the 2026 campaign without one of their newest defensive weapons. The NFL announced that edge rusher Charles Snowden has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season, a punishment tied to a DUI arrest from 2024.
Snowden, who inked a one-year, $1.075 million deal with the Cowboys back in June, can still participate in preseason workouts and exhibition contests. His suspension will officially begin once the roster is trimmed to 53 players ahead of Week 1.
A Legal Pitfall from His Raiders Days
The suspension traces back to an incident in 2024, when Snowden was still a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge, a case that could be downgraded to reckless driving if he pays a $1,000 fine and completes driver’s education courses.
Snowden’s path to Dallas hasn’t been a straight line. After going undrafted out of Virginia in 2021, he signed with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in just two games as a rookie, playing a mere six defensive snaps, before spending two years on the sidelines waiting for another NFL opportunity.
The 6-foot-6, 250-pounder finally broke through with the Raiders in 2024, tallying 39 tackles, seven quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He started nine games for the second straight year in 2025, recording three sacks and an interception. Two of those sacks came in a Week 18 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Impact on a Revamped Cowboys Defense
Dallas surrendered 377.0 yards per game last season, prompting an aggressive defensive overhaul this offseason. The Cowboys traded for Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, signed free-agent safety Jalen Thompson, and drafted safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round. They also hired Christian Parker, the youngest defensive coordinator in franchise history. The team admitted they were nervous Caleb Downs wouldn't fall to them in the draft.
Snowden was brought in to provide additional depth and pass-rush pop off the edge. Now, he’ll have to wait until Week 4 to make his Cowboys debut. He’ll be eligible to return on Sunday, Oct. 4, after missing matchups against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens.
The suspension adds an early challenge for a Dallas squad that has posted back-to-back seven-win seasons and is desperate to return to playoff contention. With Snowden sidelined, the Cowboys will need other edge rushers to step up in September.
