PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Wednesday it had signed defender Grant Stoneman to a contract extension. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 30-year-old USL Championship veteran has played a vital role in a resilient Rhode Island FC defense this season that has kept four shutouts, playing in 12 regular-season games and logging 884 minutes at the heart of the back line.

“Grant has been an important part of our club and a proven leader since day one,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “Leading by example with his work ethic, he brings consistency and poise to the locker room. Grant provides stability to our back line and we are excited to keep him in the Ocean State.”

Wearing the captain’s armband twice in 2025, Stoneman has recorded 36 appearances and logged 2,754 minutes for the club across the USL Championship regular season and playoffs since the start of its inaugural 2024 campaign. After recovering from an early injury during his first season with the Ocean State club, the defender played an important role in its inaugural season, registering 1,807 minutes in 24 appearances in 2024.

All 22 of his starts came in the final 23 games of the season, including every game of the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs as Rhode Island claimed the Eastern Conference title. Along with one goal, the defender has tallied 101 clearances, 72 recoveries, 27 blocked shots and 24 interceptions while winning 113 duels at a 64.2 percent success rate.

“I am very excited and happy to stay in Rhode Island,” said Stoneman. “Putting just my heart and soul into this project is something I want to see through, and it's been amazing so far. The locker room is amazing, and I love showing up to training every day. I’m honored that Khano Smith has put faith in me, and I am excited to keep pushing for being a top contender in the East.”