Charles Snowden joined the Cowboys late into the offseason, but his pass-rushing experience could help him stick around when it really matters. Where does Snowden fit into the growing competition at outside linebacker, and how much does an impending three-game suspension hurt his chances?
Background
Years in NFL: 5
Acquired by: Free agent (2026)
Despite mid-round grades by some in 2021, Snowden went undrafted after a late-season ankle injury at Virginia limited his ability to participate in the Senior Bowl and pre-draft workouts. He signed with Chicago as a UDFA and spent most of the year on their practice squad, but did get called up for two games.
For the next two years, Snowden struggled to find a home. He didn’t get a job following the Bears’ 2022 camp, then was unemployed for a few months before landing on Tampa Bay’s practice squad. Same story in 2023: didn’t make the Bucs roster or practice squad, was out for a while, then joined the Raiders’ practice squad in December. He started 2024 on Las Vegas’ practice team again, but was quickly called up and appeared in 16 games.
Over the last two years in Vegas, Snowden has logged 18 starts and had a regular share in their pass-rush rotation. He had career highs in 2025 with three sacks and five tackles-for-loss, plus his first and only interception. With only two accrued seasons so far, Snowden was an exclusive rights free agent this past March and did get a minimal deal from Vegas. But the Raiders released him shortly after the draft, and Snowden sat in free agency until signing with Dallas in mid-June.
On July 14th, news broke that Snowden was suspended for the first three games of 2026 because of a DUI that occurred back in 2024. The delayed punishment from the league was allegedly because it took that long for the legal process to play out. Snowden is allowed to fully participate in training camp and preseason games, not facing any restrictions until final cuts.
Contract Status
Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $1.1 million
There is some conflicting information out there about Snowden’s deal, some having it as a one-year contract and others two years. The one-year deal makes more sense as he’d still be a restricted free agent in 2027, and turns 29 next March. The Cowboys retain some leverage, while Snowden gets a shot making more money before he hits 30.
2026 Projections
Role: Backup OLB
Roster Chance: 50%
Dallas already had plenty of OLB options before signing Snowden. With three spots guaranteed for Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Malachi Lawrence, and a likely fourth for James Houston, there was going to be fierce competition between Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat, Marist Liufau, and Isaiah Land for probably one last job on the 53-man roster.
The Cowboys probably already knew about Snowden’s suspension before they signed him, so that shouldn’t be a major factor in their decision. If anything, it gives them a freebie on a potential depth guy for three weeks who won’t count against the 53. Snowden can compete for the next month, then Dallas can shelve him for three weeks and see how other guys fare on the field. Maybe they release someone to make room for him, or maybe injuries open a spot. Or, the Cowboys could just release him if they feel good about the rotation.
Given Snowden’s experience, it’s reasonable that he could easily beat out guys like Wheat, Liufau, and Land this summer. The real competition will be with Williams, who has plenty of experience in his own right and was a standout special teamer last year. Many feel that Williams will thrive as a 3-4 OLB, so he could leave all other down-roster contenders in the dust.
Still, Dallas saw something in Snowden that they made the 28-year-old a late addition to their training camp roster. At that age, and with the suspension looming, the Cowboys must feel that Snowden could be valuable during the regular season. His 6’6” frame will make him easy to spot on the field, but hopefully his play in preseason games will be what really attracts attention.
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