Orchard Park, N.Y. ? Rob Johnson, once considered the Buffalo Bills’ long-term quarterback, was released by the team Thursday, proving too expensive, inconsistent and injury-prone.

Along with saving more than $6 million in salary cap money, the Bills released a player who persistently failed to live up to his strong-armed, athletic potential during four seasons.

Johnson had one year left on his contract, and was due a $2.5 million bonus today if he remained on the team’s roster.

The Bills also announced that they released veteran cornerback Ken Irvin, saving another $1.9 million in salary cap money.

Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said Johnson’s salary-cap figure proved too expensive, and the two sides were unable to negotiate a new contract.

“We wish him the best,” Donahoe said. “We stated from the beginning that we would have liked to have Rob remain with our club, but we could not afford the salary cap figure of his current contract.”

Donahoe made his statements after meeting with Johnson’s agent, David Dunn, in Indianapolis, where the NFL rookie combine is being held this weekend.

Johnson finished 134-for-216 for 1,465 yards, throwing five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Chiefs, Warfield agree

Kansas City, Mo. Cornerback Eric Warfield won’t be testing the free agent market after reaching a long-term deal that will keep him with the Kansas City Chiefs. Warfield, who turns 26 on Sunday, became a starter for the Chiefs last season and he reached agreement on contract terms Wednesday night. He reportedly agreed to a seven-year deal with a $5 million signing bonus and an average salary of about $4 million per season.

Colts’ Manning files suit

New York Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning sued a Staten Island sports memorabilia dealer for fraud and breach of contract. Manning, 25, said in court papers that Michael Bertolini and his Triumph Sports Memorabilia & Promotions Inc. owe him $105,000 for autographing 2,500 items, including footballs, helmets and jerseys.

Ravens to drop PSINet

New York A federal bankruptcy judge approved a deal Thursday to allow financially strapped Internet company PSINet Inc. to remove its name from the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber approved an agreement reached between PSINet and the Ravens to terminate a 20-year, $105 million contract that gave PSINet the right to name the stadium, according to Robert Christmas, an attorney who represents PSINet.

Dallas hires ex-OU coach

Irving, Texas The Dallas Cowboys have hired another former University of Oklahoma head coach, filling their last coaching vacancy. The team that formerly had Barry Switzer as its head coach on Wednesday named his OU successor, Gary Gibbs, as its linebackers coach.

NFL mulls Thursday start

New York The NFL is considering breaking with tradition by starting the 2002 season on a Thursday night. A league source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Thursday that a tentative schedule for next season includes an opener on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Giants Stadium between the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. It would be televised by ESPN. The NFL source emphasized, however, that the schedule is not final it’s not likely to be released for two or three weeks.