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Details on Raiders’ surprising release of veteran defender emerge
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- Details on Raiders’ surprising release of veteran defender emerge
During the NFL offseason, teams make several moves before final cuts in August that usually don't get much attention, if any at all, but that was not the case with a move the Las Vegas Raiders made recently.
Last week, the Raiders announced they released veteran edge rusher Charles Snowden , who spent the past two seasons with the team.
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While Snowden is just a backup, he was fairly productive in 2025, with the Virginia product posting three sacks, 11 pressures, five tackles for loss and an interception.
Even though the Raiders have made several moves at edge rusher this offseason, it was still surprising to see Snowden cut.
Sure, Snowden wasn't guaranteed a roster spot, but it was assumed he would at least stick around until final cuts.
Why Raiders cut Charles Snowden
Details on Raiders’ surprising release of veteran defender emerge
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Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) runs against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Former Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy revealed that there "was some off-field issues" Snowden had to take care of and that played into the team's decision.
"I heard as far as Snowden was concerned, there was some off field issues that he had to handle, and they probably want to steer clear of that," Kennedy shared on the Locked on Raiders Squad Show .
"It makes sense when you're building chemistry," Kennedy added.
Kennedy did not go into more detail than that, so his exact off-the-field issues remains unknown.
So, it would appear the offseason additions at edge rusher were, at most, just partly to blame for Snowden's release.
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Raiders' busy offseason at edge rusher
Details on Raiders’ surprising release of veteran defender emerge
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Edge rusher has been a clear point of emphasis for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
In free agency, Las Vegas re-signed Malcolm Koonce and signed Kwity Paye .
Then, the Raiders drafted Keyron Crawford in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Those three join superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason before the deal was nixed because of a failed physical.
Many believe the Ravens simply had cold feet about giving up two first-rounders for the veteran EDGE and only used the failed physical as an excuse.
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Whatever the case may be, Crosby has since re-committed to Las Vegas and for now it appears he's staying.
"Everything Happens For A Reason," Crosby wrote in a post on X . "Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. I'm A Raider. I'm Back. Run That [expletive]."
The Raiders posted 37 sacks last season, tied for 18th in the NFL, so it's not hard to see why they've focused so hard on edge rusher in 2026.
But the real story in Las Vegas is going to be the quarterback situation, where Vegas' success is going to hinge Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza.
