Several people familiar with the Redskins’ plans said the team is comfortable with the risks associated with signing Manning, who missed all of last season with the Colts after undergoing a series of neck surgeries. The team will pursue him intently, they said. Redskins officials declined to comment.

But it’s not clear how seriously Manning, who turns 36 this month, would consider an offer from the Redskins. Opinion around the league is mixed on that subject.

It also is unclear whether the possible addition of Manning would keep the team from pursuing a trade with the St. Louis Rams for the second overall selection in April’s NFL draft. The Redskins, who have the sixth overall pick in the draft, have appeared interested in trading up to use the Rams’ choice on Robert Griffin III, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Baylor.

One person with knowledge of the Redskins’ planning said the team intends to go after Manning aggressively and, if Manning signs elsewhere, turn its attention to strongly pursuing a trade for the Rams’ pick.

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