Ron Rivera agrees with most fans out there.

He wants to see Steve Smith retire as a Carolina Panther.

The former long-time Panther and current Baltimore Raven suffered a brutal season-ending Achilles' tendon injury in his last game against the Chargers. Smith, who announced earlier this year that this season would be his last, now intends to return in 2016, according to multiple reports. He's signed with the Ravens through 2016.

"I was very sad to see that," Rivera said. "I mean that, too. He's been such a great player in this league for such a long time. I said it before, I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the first plays from this organization to be part of the Hall-of-Fame."

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But Rivera hopes to see Smith - when he does decide to hang it up - at least sign a one-day contract with the Panthers when he's ready to retire for good.

"As a Panther? Eventually, yeah when he gets an opportunity," Rivera said. "He deserves it. He's earned that opportunity."