Century Links 7/4: Happy 4th of July!

Clayton: Breaking down the Seahawks' roster competitions
The Seahawks had an influx of new players on offense in 2016. Looking over the position competitions for training camp, it appears it will be a similar case on defense in 2017.

Jeremy Lane, rookie Shaquill Griffin could start for Seahawks opposite Richard Sherman | The News Tribune
DeShawn Shead is still recovering from a major knee injury and surgery, and likely will into the 2017 season. Veteran Jeremy Lane and rookie third-round draft choice Shaquill Griffin appear to be on the inside track to replace Shead when the real games begin Sept. 10.

Most Intriguing Seahawks: No. 20, WR Jermaine Kearse
"Brock and Salk" began its countdown of the 20 most intriguing Seahawks with Jermaine Kearse. Brady Henderson writes that the sixth-year receiver likely needs a bounce-back season if he's going to stick with Seattle beyond 2017.

Is Justin Britt set to remain with the Seahawks after 2017? - seattlepi.com
Britt was considered the lone bright spot on a Seahawks offensive line that, by many accounts, could be accurately described using just about any adjective with a negative connotation. Settling in at center after years playing guard and tackle during his first two seasons in the league, Britt started 15 regular season games in 2016 was a Pro Bowl alternate. The 64th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Britt received the OL's highest overall, pass-blocking and run-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus, though it's clear the site didn't think highly of his teammates, tabbing the unit the worst in the league last year.  [...] on a team that's considered, nationally, to have a porous offensive line, the one guy most people feel confident about has to be viewed as a top priority when it's time to sign the checks.   A deal in that range would put him near the top half of the league in terms of other deals at his position, and would secure at least one OL position for the near future, which is significant because there's an argument to be made that the four other spots are still major question marks.  Because we've already reached the six-week break between minicamp and training camp, it's likely either Britt receives a December extension or the team waits until he becomes a free agent after the season and handles things from there (obviously what happens with the rest of his free-agent class could have implications as well).

Seahawks could open season with rookie starter at cornerback
The Seahawks' opening day starter across from Richard Sherman looks like a mystery heading into training camp.

Five best plays in the Seattle Seahawks' Pete Carroll-era
Five best plays in the Seattle Seahawks' Pete Carroll-era. The happiest plays of the Seahawks since Pete Carroll became head coach.

LOOK: Colin Kaepernick is hanging out in Egypt with a 49ers receiver - CBSSports.com
The free agent quarterback doesn't seem very worried about getting an NFL job right now

Agent’s Take: Why quarterback salaries aren't as high as they should be - CBSSports.com
QBs are often the highest paid players in the NFL, but they still might not be getting their fair share

Tom Brady addresses Gisele's concussion comments - NFL.com
Nearly six weeks after Gisele Bundchen said her husband, Tom Brady, suffered a concussion last season, the New England Patriots quarterback sort of addressed the issue.

Ravens DT Brandon Williams: I need to get my sacks up - NFL.com
The Baltimore Ravens handed Brandon Williams a five-year, $52.5 million contract in March. Now the defensive tackle wants to earn it.

Marshawn Lynch scores in Seattle -- on soccer field - NFL.com
Marshawn Lynch participated in a charity soccer game over the weekend. He jogged onto the pitch in sandals and put the ball in the net -- by picking it up and barreling over the goalkeeper.

Gabe Jackson grateful for Carr's roster-friendly deal - NFL.com
Derek Carr became the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL in late June, but his deal made it possible for other Raiders to get their money, too. One of his linemen is thankful for the quarterback.

NFL players celebrate Fourth of July on social media - NFL.com
Independence Day is one holiday many NFL players can actually enjoy since it falls within the quiet period before training camps kick off. Here's how players from around the league celebrated.