There was plenty missing from the Giants this season, which is why they finished 3-13 and fired their general manager and head coach. Sterling Shepard, the second-year receiver, thinks he knows one reason this was such a dumpster fire.

“The camaraderie of the team was already there, but I feel it could be a lot stronger than what it was,’’ Shepard said Monday as the Giants cleaned out their lockers and parted ways. “I feel like we had a lot of off-the-field stuff going on that didn’t need to be there and created some kind of … it just wasn’t a together team like it was two years ago. My first season here, guys were like brothers, everybody was running pretty smoothly, especially in the locker room, and this year it kind of seemed a little bit different. We got to get back to that. I feel like we got to get back to this if we want to be a team that is gonna compete for a championship.’’

Asked specifically what was wrong with the team chemistry, Shepard said, “I can’t put my finger on it, but everybody knows all the stuff that was going on in the locker room.’’

Three cornerbacks, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple, were suspended during the season, and in the final week, Bobby Hart, the starting right tackle, was waived because of a poor attitude.

Dave Gettleman, the newly hired general manager, introduced himself Monday during the final team meeting of the season and reiterated the no-nonsense message he imparted Friday in his first press conference.

“It’s clear cut that they’re about business and you got to be about your football and go about certain things a certain way,’’ Rodgers-Cromartie said. “I know he here to kick ass, I heard that part. I’m all for that. Definitely looking forward to him getting in there and turn things around.’’

Shepard said Gettleman promised changes will be made, and implored the players not to fear what comes next.

“That’s one of the things he talked about, just welcoming that change and that’s what we have to do going forward,’’ Shepard said. “Welcome the change, don’t run from it. You never know, you could have a lot of fun with it.’’