Steve Smith Sr. may or may not have played his final down in the NFL this weekend. Either way, Panthers coach Ron Rivera hopes his organization's all-time leading receiver ends up retiring in Carolina one day.

"As a Panther? Eventually? Yeah, when he gets an opportunity," Rivera said Tuesday when asked if he wanted to see Smith end his career as a Panther. "He’s deserved it; he’s earned that opportunity."

Smith tore his Achilles tendon in the Ravens' win over the Chargers Sunday, ending his season, one he's repeatedly said would be his last. But few can see the fiery Smith going out like this. Of course, no one saw his playing days in Carolina coming to an end the way they did.

If he does end up retiring with the Panthers, it would likely be ceremonious, not a situation where he's back on the field. Some hurt feelings need to be mended, too. But at least one of his former bosses sounds willing to hug it out.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the first players from this organization to make the Hall of Fame," Rivera said. "I was very sad to hear [about Smith's injury]. I don't know what he's going to decide next year, but whatever it is, just hold on. If he does come back, he'll be solid again."