Cowboys LB Charles Snowden Suspended 3 Games Following 2024 DUI Arrest

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Charles Snowden will miss the first three games of the 2026 season following a league suspension.

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Charles Snowden has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 season, per the NFL’s transactions wire. The 28-year-old defender remains eligible to participate in all preseason activities and exhibition matchups before the penalty begins. This disciplinary action will officially commence once the franchise completes its roster reduction to the mandatory 53-player limit.

Legal Background and Plea Agreement

While the league did not explicitly state the reason for the Charles Snowden suspension, the linebacker reached a legal resolution in January regarding a 2024 DUI arrest. During his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, Snowden's attorneys entered a no-contest plea to a misdemeanor DUI charge. The court ordered the athlete to pay a $1,000 fine and mandated his attendance at both DUI and coroner’s courses. Under the terms of this agreement, the charge will be downgraded to reckless driving upon successful completion of all requirements.

Career Statistics and Production

Snowden joined the Cowboys as a free agent last month following a successful tryout during the organization's minicamp. During the previous season with the Raiders, he recorded a career-high three sacks and notched his first professional interception across 15 appearances. His 2023 campaign also included nine defensive snaps in a single contest. Over the course of 33 career NFL games, the outside linebacker has accumulated 4.5 sacks and 28 total tackles.

Roster Impact and Timeline

The suspension ensures Snowden will be unavailable for the opening trio of contests in 2026, though he can maintain his conditioning throughout the summer program. His signing followed a period of evaluation by the Dallas coaching staff after his stint in Las Vegas. The linebacker's transition to the NFC East comes after establishing his most productive statistical season to date in the AFC West.