WR George Pickens confident in Steelers offense heading into season

Rumors continue to circulate around the Steelers potentially trading for 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and while he would elevate Pittsburgh's pass attack, the team is confident in what it currently has.

A big reason why is because of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and his scheme, which wide receiver George Pickens thinks is a perfect fit for him and his teammates.

"I feel like it's a way better scheme vertically," Pickens said. "The scheme is, for sure, prolific vertically."

It won't be difficult for the Steelers to have a better passing offense than last season when they averaged the eighth-least passing yards per game ( 186.1 ) in the league, but Pickens isn't the only one who has high expectations for the offense in 2024.

On Wednesday, quarterback Russell Wilson raved about Smith and Pittsburgh's playmakers following the final practice of training camp.

"There's so much that our receivers can do. We're really excited about who they are," Wilson said . "I think coach Arthur Smith's giving us a great chance to mix up the schemes and everything else. We've got playmakers all over the field. We've got a lot of speed."

The Steelers don't only have speed at receiver, either. This offseason, they traded for quarterback Justin Fields, who has proven to be dynamic with the ball in his hands, registering 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in his career.

Pickens believes Fields will just add another element to their new-look offense.

"As far as all the plays and all the guys around, I'd probably say more dynamic," Pickens added . "At QB you've got Justin Fields. He's an athletic freak. We got him now, so that's pretty good."

Only time will tell whether Wilson or Fields will win the starting job, but even if Fields doesn't, Pittsburgh will likely find a way to get him involved in the offense to some capacity.

After that, the only question that remains is if the Steelers can find a way to add Aiyuk to their already potentially prolific offense.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.