IRVING, Texas -- In need of improved play in the secondary, the Cowboys are working out free-agent safety Michael Huff.

The Cowboys expressed interest in Huff in the offseason, but he signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens instead. But the former Texas Longhorn was released in late October along with former Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears.

The need for veteran help at safety increased after the Cowboys allowed a franchise-record 625 total yards to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night.

The Cowboys signed veteran Will Allen in the offseason, but he was released Oct. 8 so the team could go with younger players.

Barry Church is one of the starting safeties, but the other, rookie J.J. Wilcox, is nursing a sprained knee and his return is uncertain. In Wilcox's place is another rookie, Jeff Heath, who has struggled the last three games.

The Cowboys have the 32nd-ranked pass defense in the NFL.