The Dallas Cowboys are continuing to strengthen their defensive front ahead of the training camp set for late July. The Cowboys signed former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden, adding an experienced rotational piece to the defense.

“Can confirm,” Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News reported via X post on July 19. “Charles Snowden worked out with the Cowboys during the first two minicamp practices. Now he sticks around."

The Cowboys have tried to fill the void after trading linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last season. The team also signed former UFL players with NFL experience to strengthen the depth of the roster.  

Snowden signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2021. He made his NFL debut in the Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers in December 2021, but was eventually waived in August 2022.

He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 after his brief stint on the practice squad with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Snowden has recorded a total of 67 tackles (35 solo), eight tackles for loss, 11 QB Hits, and 4.5 sacks in 33 games played across three seasons, while starting 18 games and playing two seasons for the Raiders. 

Snowden joins the crowded room of the defensive line, which includes former Packers Rashan Gary, 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, and 2026 first-round pick Malachi Lawrence.

"Snowden will compete with pass-rush specialist James Houston, injury-prone ex-second round edge Sam Williams, and recently converted outside linebacker Marist Liufau to make the final 53-man roster," per Daniel Arwas of Heavy.com. 

With training camp about a month away, the Cowboys roster now sits at the 90-man limit following Snowden's signing. The team also made a series of depth additions by signing three former UFL players post the mandatory minicamp.

Cowboys Turn to UFL Talent in Latest Roster Moves

The Cowboys worked out 14 players recently during their minicamp and signed three UFL players with previous NFL experience to add depth and competition ahead of the training camp.

"The Cowboys have agreed to terms with 3 UFL players: WR Denzel Mims, CB Ameer Speed, OL Chris Glaser, per sources," ESPN's Todd Archer reported via X post. "To make room, Matt Hennessy to IR [injured reserve], and DB Corey Ballentine and WR Romello Brinson have been released. One roster spot remains open as training camp awaits."

Glaser was signed to add depth at the center behind Cooper Beebe after Matt Hennessy was placed on the PUP list.

Speed was added to bolster the special team units (kickoff, punt, and coverage) and provide significant secondary depth.

Mims was added to address the speed concerns at the WR position after the retirement of Parris Campbell.

"The UFL has shown that it's been awesome training," Schottenheimer said, per Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. "I mean, these guys are good football players."

The Cowboys have found success previously by signing players like WR KaVontae Turpin and kicker Brandon Aubrey from the UFL, who have since earned multiple Pro Bowl honors.

Do you think this will be a good addition to the team?

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi