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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 wire announced Tuesday.
An NFL spokesperson confirmed to PK Press Club Digital that he was suspended due to a 2024 drunken driving arrest, which 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 sidelines during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on December 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 go into effect once the NFL’s roster reaches 53 men.
Snowden, 28, reached a plea deal to resolve a 2024 drunken driving arrest in January.
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Snowden pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor drunk driving charge, while being ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and attend coroner and drunk driving classes as part of the deal.
Charles Snowden #49 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks between plays during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on November 17, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
As a result of the plea agreement, Snowden’s charge will be reduced to reckless driving if he carries out specified orders.
Snowden signed with the Cowboys this offseason as a free agent after a tryout after being invited to minicamp.
Snowden was an undrafted free agent from Virginia who signed with the Chicago Bears in 2021. He only appeared in 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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Next, Snowden played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and 2025. His best season came last year when he racked up three sacks, 28 combined tackles, five tackles for loss and one interception in 15 games (nine starts).
