Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith had some kind words for rookie quarterback Cam Newton and new head coach Ron Rivera. Smith's name has been mentioned in trade rumors and there have been reports that he wants out of Carolina. Smith deserved Rivera as "a great guy" and the drafting of Newton as "outstanding." However, he still isn't ready to say he wants to return to the Panthers. "When football gets going I'll be able to evaluate football at that time. But football is not going on," Smith said, referring to the lockout. "So all the what-ifs and speculation and how I feel is what everyone has -- an opinion. I choose to keep my opinion to myself and will continue to take that road."