Dallas Cowboys linebacker Charles Snowden has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the 2026 season, the league announced Tuesday.
The suspension stems from a DUI arrest in 2024, which Snowden recently settled with a plea agreement, an NFL spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Snowden will be ineligible to play in the Cowboys' season opener on the road against the New York Giants, their home opener versus the Washington Commanders, and a subsequent home game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, he is permitted to participate in the team's preseason activities, including all three preseason contests. The suspension will officially begin once NFL rosters are finalized at 53 players.
Charles Snowden No. 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, Fla., on Dec. 8, 2024. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old Snowden reached a plea agreement in January to resolve the 2024 DUI charge. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and complete coroner's and DUI courses as part of the agreement. If he fulfills these requirements, the charge will be reduced to reckless driving.
Snowden joined the Cowboys this offseason as a free agent after attending a minicamp tryout. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia, signing with the Chicago Bears in 2021. He appeared in two games for the Bears and did not play in the 2022 or 2023 regular seasons.
Charles Snowden No. 49 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks 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)
Prior to signing with Dallas, Snowden played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and 2025. His most productive season was in 2025, when he recorded three sacks, 28 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, and one interception in 15 games, nine of which he started.
Charles Snowden No. 49 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sept. 29, 2024. (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)