Is the gap widening between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and WR CeeDee Lamb?

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t get rich by being gentle. He was always known as a shrewd negotiator.

Times have not changed. Jones, who negotiated in good faith with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb when Lamb was holding back, has temporarily suspended negotiations. He said he has no urge to return to the negotiating table.

“I have no urgency to get it done,” Jones told reporters“Give whatever reason you want. I was at Nobu two days ago. Give that as the reason. Whatever you want to give.”

Lamb responded on social media with three letters: “LOL.”

The receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He has averaged over 1,100 yards in every season he has played in the league and is also coming off a career year this year, amassing 1,749 yards receiving.

Despite the impasse, Jones expects Lamb to be in uniform and on the field when the Cowboys open their season in Cleveland on Sept. 8. He points out that it’s a long summer and that Lamb’s extended absence from training camp will give the Cowboys an opportunity to evaluate other receivers who will get more playing time.

Jones’ latest position represents a reversal from last week’s position, when he said talks were still ongoing.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, who has his own contract situation with Jones, weighed in, saying he hopes Lamb’s contract will be cleared up so the two can get back on the field before the end of summer training camp.

“My birthday just passed – I got a great birthday message from him and that sparked some conversations,” Prescott said“Yeah, man, I know, he just told me he wants to come back, is ready to come back, and hopes to get this done for him.

“I know I feel the same way, and hopefully we get him back sooner rather than later. But I know he’s struggling, I know he’s itching and he’s working, and he’s ready to get back with the guys.”

Lamb also skipped a mandatory minicamp in June because of his contract situation. One day before camp began, the Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Justin Jefferson to the most lucrative contract in National Football League history for a non-quarterback, paying him $88 million up front and guaranteeing him $110 million over four years.

Lamb and Jefferson were both selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, six picks apart. Lamb improved his receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions each year he was in the league, but nothing has changed for Jones so far.