IRVING, Texas (AP) -Jerry Jones built a billion-dollar fortune by taking big risks. Now he appears ready to take one of the biggest chances of his 17 years as owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys were close to completing a deal with volatile receiver Terrell Owens, an official involved in negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.

``It's headed in that direction,'' said the official, who requested anonymity because the contract wasn't finished.

Jones has been on vacation in the Caribbean, which could be part of the holdup. Neither he nor team spokesman Rich Dalrymple immediately returned messages left Saturday by The Associated Press.

Owens' usually talkative advisers are doing nothing to douse the story, adding to speculation an announcement is imminent. Agent Drew Rosenhaus refused to comment Friday and didn't respond to repeated messages left Saturday.

Owens is among the best receivers in the NFL, but he's also been among the most divisive personalities in the game. He left San Francisco on bad terms and was released by Philadelphia last week after causing more turmoil.

The idea of Owens wearing a star on his helmet infuriates some Cowboys fans. They're fearful he will divide the locker room, and they're angry at Jones for pardoning Owens for the way he's treated the franchise.

Owens launched his flamboyant persona in September 2000 when he celebrated each of two touchdowns at Texas Stadium by running to the team's star logo at midfield. Safety George Teague secured a spot in team lore by decking Owens after the second one.

On a Monday night game in 2004 best remembered for his pregame skit with a ``Desperate Housewives'' actress, Owens celebrated another score by tapping on a logo in the end zone.

But until his behavior limited him to nine games last season, Owens had at least 75 receptions and 1,100 yards receiving in five straight seasons. The last time a Cowboys receiver hit both figures in one season was Michael Irvin in 1997.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.