USFL’s Outlaws Offer Ellard 2-Year Guaranteed Contract

Ram wide receiver Henry Ellard, whose contract expired after last season, has been offered a two-year, guaranteed contract by the Arizona Outlaws of the United States Football League, his agent said.

Mike Blatt of Stockton said the offer is such that Ellard would be paid even if the USFL never plays another season, and the agreement would include real estate and banking opportunities.

“It’s a personal services contract with the Tatham family,” Blatt said.

Outlaw owner Bill Tatham Jr. has business interests in Fresno, where Ellard lives.

Ellard led the Rams with 54 receptions, 5 for touchdowns, last season, and was the league’s second-leading punt returner, averaging 13.5 yards.

Although he is a free agent, the National Football League’s rules on movement of free agents are such that it’s unlikely he could sign with another NFL team.

“It’s collusion among 28 guys (owners),” Blatt said.

When the Rams drafted Ellard from Fresno State three years ago, Tatham sought to sign him for the Outlaws, who were then based in Oklahoma.

“Bill Tatham offered more money than the Rams, but Henry didn’t want to play in Tulsa,” Blatt said. “He gave up quite a bit to play in Los Angeles.”

Ellard’s last contract called for $140,000.

“The average starting wide receiver in the NFL is making $330,000,” Blatt said, “and non-starters are getting $212,000.”

Blatt said he planned to fly with Ellard to Phoenix next week “to look over the Outlaws’ facilities. But I don’t think the Rams or Outlaws need to do anything for a couple of months.”