Perhaps the biggest test of that will be his relationship with his new coach, Bill Parcells.

The two only have spoken by telephone. Parcells missed the news conference Saturday because he was in Florida. Don’t read anything into it, though, because Parcells hasn’t attended any news conferences for free-agent signings since joining the club three-plus years ago.

“Bill is very much on the page here, very much,” Jones insisted. “We’re not just in the business here of walking problems through the door to create challenges. We’ve got enough on our own.”

Jones also tried to douse speculation that Owens’ arrival could hasten Parcells’ departure.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say if this doesn’t work, Bill’s not going to be here to live with it,” said Jones, who in January gave Parcells a raise and an extension through 2007. “I don’t think it’s going to have any bearing at all to how long Bill is going to be here.”

Part of the gamble with Owens coming to Dallas is whether fans will embrace him. Many are still bitter about the September 2000 game when, while playing for the 49ers, Owens celebrated each of two touchdown catches 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.

Then, 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.

Vern Steinman / AP file Terrell Owens was once the biggest enemy of Cowboys fans when as a member of the San Francisco 49ers in 2000 he sprinted midfield and celebrated a touchdown on the star at Texas Stadium.

Owens said he and Jones already have discussed his future TD celebrations. With an arm on Jones’ back, he smiled wide and said, “I will embrace the star.”

Until the Eagles banished him after 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 Irvin in 1997.

Irvin and Owens are good enough friends that they spoke before Owens decided to join the Cowboys. Irvin is so happy for his pal and his former team that he said, “This move for Dallas put them — and I’ll say it — in the Super Bowl.”

That’s quite a leap considering the Cowboys were 9-7 last season. They’ve missed the playoffs the last two years and haven’t won a playoff game in nine years.

Dallas seems more than a star receiver to get over the hump, but does need a main threat after releasing Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday.

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