The Atlanta Falcons are signing outside linebacker Charles Snowden off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad to their 53-man roster, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Snowden, 28, provides additional depth on the edge as Atlanta navigates injuries and a suspension in the position group. The move comes with the team at full roster capacity, requiring a corresponding transaction.
He spent the early part of the offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders before being released in May. Snowden then spent time with the Dallas Cowboys over the summer and signed with the Commanders’ practice squad last month after the NFL lifted a three-game suspension.
That suspension stemmed from a DUI arrest. Snowden entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia in 2021 and has also spent time with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 31 games with the Raiders over the past two seasons, Snowden recorded 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception. He started nine games in 2025, posting three sacks and five tackles for loss while adding an interception against the Cleveland Browns.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Snowden brings length to the edge. He appeared in 16 games with nine starts in 2024, totaling 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Atlanta’s current edge options include Samson Ebukam, Cameron Thomas and Za’Darius Smith. The team is expected to release Bralen Trice to create the necessary roster spot, according to a report from The Athletic’s Josh Kendall.
Jalon Walker, a 2025 first-round pick, is out for the season after tearing his ACL in training camp. Walker recorded 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a rookie.
James Pearce, the other 2025 first-round selection at the position, remains suspended for the first eight games of the season. He is eligible to return after Week 8, meaning two games remain on the suspension.
Pearce led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks last season. His absence has forced the team to lean on veterans and rotational players for pass-rush production.
The Falcons rank near the bottom of the league in sacks through six games, highlighting the need for additional bodies. Snowden’s experience in a rotational role should allow him to contribute on passing downs.
He recorded six pass deflections and eight tackles for loss during his time with the Raiders. Those numbers reflect a player capable of disrupting plays beyond just finishing sacks.
Atlanta’s defensive coordinator will likely use Snowden in sub-packages while monitoring the health of the established veterans. Ebukam and Thomas have handled significant snaps early in the year.
The signing addresses short-term depth concerns ahead of the remainder of the regular season. Snowden’s familiarity with multiple systems gives the coaching staff flexibility in how he is deployed.
